The mother of the 22-year-old photojournalist, who was sexually assaulted, wants the “severest punishment” handed out to the rapists.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the victim’s mother said, “We are optimistic that your and the government’s efforts will help fast track the matter so that the severest of punishment is meted out. This will ensure that even the most sick-minded think twice before they act in such an inhuman and insensitive way.”
The girl’s mother has also thanked the police, media and the people for the “support” shown to the family after the brutal assault. She said, “My daughter and I are overwhelmed with the support given to us by the police, the media and the public at large during such a nightmarish phase for us. We want to thank you all for showing sensitivity and restraint which has given us strength, hope and courage to pick up the pieces of our lives
after the most tragic incident.”
The victim’s mother also thanked the Jaslok Hospital staff treating her daughter, the state government and the Mumbai police for “their support and prompt action”. The mother also apologised for any inconvenience caused to other patients and their relatives in the hospital; she said she wanted justice for not just her daughter but for every woman in India. “We hope and pray for your continued support and campaign in the fight for justice for my daughter and women at large in India,” said the mother.
The mother, however, requested the media and everyone else to respect the privacy of the family by not visiting their residence. “I have one small request to all of you. Please continue to respect the privacy of my daughter and me in this most trying time of our lives and give us the breathing space we so desperately need by not visiting our residence,” said the mother, adding, “We live in a society where such actions will only make it more difficult for us to get back to a normal life. This can also impact my daughter’s life and become an impediment in our struggle to regain our sanity and composure.”
The victim’s mother hoped that while their “humble request” would be adhered to, she also wanted the continued “support for justice, not just for my daughter, but for all those victims and families who go through the same hell as we have.”