On 30th September 2008, TV journalist Sowmya Vishwanathan was shot dead by a gang of four at 3 AM while she was on her way back home after a long day at work. She had been delayed on account of breaking news of low-intensity blasts in Malegaon, Maharashtra.
Six years on, the case is still languishing in a Delhi sessions court. In the last eight months, all proceedings have come to a halt. This is because prosecutor Rajeev Mohan retired to pursue private practice.
Speaking to The Quint, Sowmya’s mother Madhvi Vishwanathan says there have been several delays in the case.
Sometimes the judge is not there, sometimes the public prosecutor is not there. One time the next date of hearing was set for a month later, but no progress could be made because the summons were stamped, but not issued to the witnesses. Another time I noticed the name and address did not match and the summons were not issued to the witnesses.
–– Madhvi Vishwanathan, Sowmya’s mother
Sowmya’s parents met with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal last week and are hoping that his government is able to pursue Rajeev Mohan to stay on as the prosecutor. The Delhi Home Minister has meanwhile, asked his officials to reach out to Mohan with a set of terms that will allow him to represent the State in this case and continue his private practice.
But a week after the May 21st meeting, there is little clarity on where things stand. An effort is being made by Sowmya’s friends and former colleagues to put pressure on the government to act in the case.
A change.org petition from Sowmya’s mother asking him to fast-track the case is being circulated. The petition states
Only a third of the sixty witnesses have been examined so far. Evidences have not been produced, hearings are delayed and then cancelled.
Nida Hassan of change.org tells The Quint that roughly 5000 people had signed the petition until two days ago. At last count, the petition had 38,000 signatures.
The next date of hearing is on 15-16 June.
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