Bina, Sabrina, Nilam Katara hail Jessica verdict

New Delhi, Dec 18 (UNI) The Delhi High court's judgement today convicting Manu Sharma, Vikas Yadav and Tony Gill in the Jessica Lall murder case evoked strong emotions from Bina Ramani, Sabrina Lall and Neelam Katara for different reasons.

Jessica's sister Sabrina Lall profusely hailed the judicial system of the country. ''I have lived to see this day. The seven-year-long struggle was worth it,'' she said.

Bina Ramani, prime witness to Jessica's murder in the Tamarind Cafe, was overcome by emotion, and welcomed the news. She also sought a witness protection programme in the country.

''Its unbelievable. Its great,'' an emotional Ramani told reporters in Panaji shortly after the judgement. The socialite recalled the last moments of Jessica as she was being taken to the hospital after being shot by Sharma.

''She was in the backseat of my car. There were two waiters holding her. She was breathing so loud, fighting for her life,'' she recalled adding,'' Jessica was slipping away, I could not see her so helpless.'' Terming the last seven-and-a-half years a struggle for justice, Ms Ramani said that finally the life is to begin.

She said she will devote herself more actively to social service now. Ms Ramani also stressed the need to put in place a witness protection programme, recalling the tremendous pressure she underwent as did the other witnesses in the case.

''There should be strong protection for witnesses and I will be on the forefront to create some kind of platform,'' Ms Ramani said adding that there would be no Zaheera Sheikhs and Shayan Munshis if we have more protection for the witnesses.

Neelam Katara today said her faith in the Indian judiciary has been strengthened and she hoped for justice in the case of her son Nitishs murder.

''My faith in the judiciary has been strengthened. Other citizens can also draw confidence from the case and come forth and fight for justice,'' Ms Katara told reporters outside the Delhi High Court shortly after the judgement was pronounced.

Lawyers of Manu Sharma today said they would plead for minimum punishment. The court has fixed December 20 for deciding the quantum of punishment.

Sharma faces life sentence or death under section 302 for which he has been held guilty. ''We will plead for minimum sentence,'' said R D Rana, one of the defence counsel for Sharma and other accused.

UNI SSS SI RP gc27