For a family in Uttarakhand's Pauri district, life came to a standstill in 2022. Their 19-year-old daughter, who worked as a receptionist at a resort in Rishikesh owned by a BJP leader's son, was murdered. Since that tragic year, their world has been devoid of colour, joy, or meaning in any celebration.
A Family Frozen in Grief
In an emotional conversation with TOI on Thursday, the 56-year-old father revealed the depth of their sorrow. "My son doesn't tie a rakhi anymore. Neither do I. Only when we get justice will any festival be celebrated in our house," he stated. His 46-year-old wife, sitting beside him, broke down repeatedly. Her grief has crystallized into one persistent question she has carried for over three years: the identity of a VIP they believe is behind the crime.
"We want to know who that VIP was who cost us our daughter's life. There is so much evidence pointing to someone behind this. Bring that person in front of us. Let us look him in the eye," the mother demanded, adding that they want those responsible behind bars. The relentless anguish has taken a severe toll on her health, with chronic ailments now plaguing her body. "She cries every day," her husband confirmed, his own voice faltering as he tried to comfort her.
Dreams Erased, A Future Lost
The family, who have always lived modestly, described their daughter as a beacon of hope. "My daughter had just begun to live her life. She had dreams, hopes, plans. She gave them up for us, yet she was full of life. Her entire future was erased in one moment," the heartbroken mother recalled. Since the murder, their days have blurred into a monotonous wait for any positive development in the case.
Even their son's professional success as a chartered accountant brings no solace. "He walks with the shadow of her death and wants justice as much as we do," the father said, highlighting how the tragedy has overshadowed every milestone.
Demand for a Supreme Court-Monitored CBI Probe
In a significant move, the family met with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun on Wednesday evening. They formally sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the case, demanding it be conducted under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge to ensure impartiality. "We made a sincere request and hope it will be heard," the parents said, stating they now await an official announcement on the CBI probe.
They vehemently dismissed online accusations that their fight is motivated by compensation. "We don't want money. We want justice. We have lost our daughter and we don't want any other parent to endure this nightmare. We are simple people seeking answers," they asserted.
Public Outcry and Call for Bandh
The case has sparked public anger, with social organizations rallying behind the family. The Uttarakhand Mahila Manch, leading the agitation, has called for a statewide bandh (shutdown) on Sunday if the family's demands are not met. "This woman deserves justice. Her family deserves closure. This is about the safety of every girl and woman," said Kamla Pant, president of the organization.
Pant emphasized the broader implications of the case, stating, "This is not the Uttarakhand we envisioned. There must be accountability. Our leadership must answer for failing the daughter of this state. We will not rest until this VIP is brought to justice." The call for action underscores the growing demand for transparency and accountability in a case that has left a family in perpetual mourning for over three years.
