The family of Shahnawaz, a victim of acute road rage near Old Delhi’s Turkman Gate are disillusioned with the AAP government’s promises that rang hollow and say there is mounting pressure on them to settle the case instead of fighting for justice.
It has been a year since Shahnawaz (37) was beaten to death in front of his sons by five locals.
Shadab, along with Khalid Amin, another occupant of an i20 car, had thrashed Shahnawaz – who was on a motorcycle with his kids – with iron rods. The five accused got into a row with Shanawaz which soon escalated, even as the police refused to come to the spot at the behest of one of his sons. Shahnawaz was rushed to a hospital by his family, only to be declared brought dead.
One year later, the family remains in bitter mourning. The case attracted vociferous political attention when it happened, with Kejriwal’s government making extensive and continuous promises. Since then promises of providing for the children’s education, providing a government job to a family member of the victim and a compensation of Rs 10 lakh remain unfulfilled. School fees for the two children were paid only for two and four months, respectively. While the father has often been approached to accept a large sum of money as compensation, with the implicit understanding of closing the case, he has no intentions to do so.
Even though the family is completely disillusioned by Kejriwal and his government for using their son’s death for positive media coverage, they are still hopeful and are resolute in their fight for justice for Shanawaz. Meanwhile, the defense lawyer for the accused has filed a chargesheet for falsely accusing the five local men.
The court’s next hearing will be held on 29 April, where Shahnawaz’s young sons will be cross-examined.
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