Explosive details have emerged from a letter written on behalf of the juvenile convict in the 16 December gangrape and murder of Nirbhaya. In the letter addressed to the Home Ministry, the juvenile, now no longer a minor, has said he is unwilling to be placed in ‘after-care’ after his scheduled release this month.
But it is one detail in the letter, which The Quint has accessed, that is telling. The letter, written on behalf of the convict, states that from the age of 9 onwards, he was himself sexually abused for several years by different employers.
Applicant was very harassed by unnatural offence from his childhood by different person which was paying money for survive of his family (sic).Juvenile Convict’s Letter to Home Ministry
This detail, hitherto unknown, places more focus on the juvenile convict’s antecedents. However, what is occupying his mind at present is the immediate threat to him, perceived or otherwise.
We wrote this letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs on 26 November because he fears for his life. He has served his term at the Juvenile Home. Now he is a free man. Legally, the government can’t place him in an NGO. He is averse to it. Keeping him in NGO would mean detaining him.Juvenile Convict’s Lawyer
In the letter, the juvenile goes on to say that his family is very poor. He has five siblings, a mentally disabled father and mother to support. Aware that society may not accept him, he is even ready to change his identity. He also asks the government to provide him a job to support his family.
Meanwhile, Nirbhaya’s parents have urged the National Human Rights Commission to reveal his identity after his release, on the grounds that he is a possible threat to them and society.
In the letter in possession with The Quint, the juvenile convict pleads that his identity shouldn’t be revealed by any means.
By law the identity of the juvenile cannot be revealed. The juvenile fears that just before his release, an insider in the Observation Home may release his photograph on social media.Juvenile Convict’s Lawyer
The lawyer also states that they are awaiting the government’s response as the date of his release nears. On 16 December, the juvenile convict completes his three-year sentence at the Observation Home.
The Quint contacted the Ministry of Home Affairs on this matter, but officials preferred not to issue a comment.
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