Struggling since four years, Nirbhaya's parents await justice

The parents of December 16 gang-rape victim on Thursday expressed their anguish over the country's justice system and said it is extremely unfortunate that tough legal action has not yet been initiated against the convicts despite four years after the incident.

"We have been struggling for four years, but still the convicts are alive," said Asha Devi, the victim's mother, while hoping that the Supreme Court would very soon pronounce a favourable judgement.

She also expressed her ire at the BJP-led NDA Government for renaming the 'Nirbhaya Fund' as 'Sakhi'.

"It was announced that Nirbhaya crisis centre would be set up in every district with the funds collected so far, but now we get to know that the name of this fund has been changed to Sakhi," she added.

She urged Union Women and Child Development Minister Meneka Gandhi not to change the name of this fund named in honour of her daughter.

"I will not get anything from the crisis centre, but the government by doing so is actually suppressing the voices of the rape victims. I want to ask the government why the name 'Nirbhaya' has been removed," she said.

The victim's mother further called for a change in mindset to ensure that such unfortunate incident never ever takes place with any 'Nirbhaya'.

"We all must join hands to bring a change in society for the better. We all must learn to respect women," she added.