Priyadarshini's father lauds CBI role in conviction

Dharamshala, Oct 18 (UNI) Lauding the CBI for its role in providing all the evidence that led to Santosh Singh's conviction for Priyadarshini Mattoo's murder, her father today said justice has finally prevailed.

Chaman Lal Mattoo, Priyadarshini's father, told UNI here that the CBI had provided all circumstantial evidences in a continuous chain that helped the court to convict the accused, providing justice to the family.

''Yesterday, was the joyous moment of my life when my daughter's murderer was convicted. The support that we received from the common man, print and electronic media, has succeeded in bringing the things to a logical conclusion,'' he said from an undisclosed location in the state, as he fear a threat to his life from Singh's friends and family.

Terming the judgment ''historic'', he said it would curb the ''rash activities'' of the children of the high profile families who had the means to get their children acquitted even after committing heinous crimes.

Replying to a question on whether Singh should be awarded capital punishment or life term, Mr Mattoo said it was for the court to decide. ''But since it is the rarest of the rare crimes, he should be given the harshest punishment.'' He said the court had termed the trial court's judgment as ''perverse'' and described it as an eye opener because ultimately the truth prevailed.

Remembering his daughter Priyadarshini as a bold and strong woman, who was a source of inspiration for him to continue the crusade for justice, he said even during her school days she was asked to address the morning prayers because of her soft nature and courage.

Mr Mattoo said had the police authorities in Delhi acted promptly, his daughter would have been alive.

''She had lodged several complaints with the police, fearing threat to her life from Santosh Singh, but the police did nothing to provide her adequate security,'' he said.

Demanding strict action against police officials who failed to provide security to Priyadarshini when she was being stalked by the accused, he said only action against them would ensure that public servants performed their duties well.

Santosh Singh, son of the former Puducheery DGP, was found guilty on both accounts of rape and murder of Priyadarshini at her Vasant Kunj residence in New Delhi on January 23, 1996, by the Delhi High Court yesterday.

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