On 13 December 2001, the Parliament was attacked by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, in what is labelled one of the biggest attacks on Indian soil till date.
Six Delhi police personnel, two Parliament security service personnel and a gardner lost their life in the attack, when the ‘temple of Indian democracy’ turned into a battleground.
Among them was sub-inspector of Delhi Police, Rampal, who was the driver of then Vice President of India, Krishan Kant.
‘Those Were Tough Times’
Sixteen years have passed since the fateful day but the tragedy is still fresh in the minds of Rampal’s family. The martyr left behind a mother, his wife and child. The loss was harder to bear for his sons, who were unable to comprehend their loss.
Remembering his father, elder son Karamveer, told The Quint:
It was really tough to console our mother at that time. We were really young and we had lost our father. It was really hard to go to school and study. My younger brother was also very young. Those were tough times. But gradually, we were able to recover.
What Happened on 13 December 2001?
On 13 December 2001, Rampal reported for duty like any other day. He was sitting in the Vice President’s car when suddenly, an ambassador car rammed into the vehicle. The driver of the ambassador and Rampal got into an argument, after which the driver shot Rampal dead.
His mother’s eyes well up when she recounts the incident.
Why would I not miss my son? I lost him foreverRampal’s mother.
Rampal’s Wife Took Charge
After Rampal’s death, it was up to his wife, Bhagvani, to take care of the entire family. An ailing mother-in-law, and two young kids, no doubt, the last 16 years have been tough for her.
She sent her children to school, raised them and managed the household, all on her own. Rampal’s family say his courage keeps them going.
Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam
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