EXCLUSIVE: Soumya Vishwanathan’s Mother Seeks Life Term For Killers, Calls For Swift Justice For Safer India

Fifteen years ago, on September 30, 2008, a young television journalist named Soumya Vishwanathan was tragically shot dead while driving home from work in the early hours of the morning. The case remained unresolved for over a decade, leaving her family in a state of perpetual anguish. However, on a Wednesday in 2023, a Delhi court finally delivered a verdict, convicting four persons of her murder.

The police had initially claimed that the motive behind Soumya's murder was robbery. The court, however, found Ravi Kapoor, Amit Shukla, Baljeet Malik, and Ajay Kumar guilty of murder and convicted them under the provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). A fifth accused, identified as Ajay Sethi, was convicted under Section 411 of the Indian Penal Code for dishonestly receiving stolen property and under MCOCA provisions for conspiring to abet, aid, or knowingly facilitate organized crime and for receiving the proceeds of organized crime.

The court has now set October 26 as the date for sentencing, with the judge asserting that the prosecution has proven the charges against the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.

In an exclusive interview with OneIndia, Madhavi Vishwanathan, Soumya's mother, shared her thoughts on the 15-year battle for justice that her family has faced.

A 15-Year Quest for Justice

Reflecting on the moment when the judge delivered the verdict after 15 years, Madhavi expressed the immense emotional burden her family has shouldered throughout this period, saying, "It's been too long. Actually, it may be by talking about time, it may be 15 years. But for us, it has been a very, very long period. We have been having a traumatic life during this period, not knowing what the future holds or anything."

While happiness has eluded them since their daughter's loss, the verdict does offer some solace, as one group of individuals responsible for making Delhi's roads unsafe has been held accountable. Madhavi believes this judgment may serve as a deterrent to others.

Seeking Life Imprisonment for the Serial Killers

Regarding the sentencing date set for October 26, Madhavi expressed her uncertainty about the specific reasons behind this decision. She speculated that it might be related to the provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Madhavi's unwavering demand for justice is clear when asked about her expectations for the punishment of the convicted, as she said, "We are hoping that they get life sentence. Because we are also going through a life sentence now, in the sense it's a prison of our emotions, everything for us. We are hoping they also get a life sentence."

Madhavi's further hopes that just as her family has been serving a life sentence of emotional pain, she hopes that the convicted individuals also receive a life sentence for their actions.

A Family Paralyzed by Tragedy

The toll of the 15-year-long fight for justice has been immense. Madhavi describes her family's life as having been "paralyzed" by the tragedy. Despite their attempts to maintain a façade of composure, the grief remains a constant presence. Soumya's friends have been instrumental in offering support during this trying period.

When asked about the reaction of her elder daughter, who lives in Nairobi, after hearing the verdict, Madhavi shared that her daughter had expected the verdict before her mother could even relay the message. She expressed pride in her husband's hopefulness, as her daughter had been less optimistic. Initially, her daughter contemplated returning to Delhi, but the family persuaded her otherwise, as she has a young son to care for in Nairobi.

Sources of Strength and Resilience

Madhavi further said that the strength and resilience that have sustained her family have come from family and friends, especially Soumya's friends. Madhavi noted that these friends carried a part of Soumya with them, providing comfort and a connection that has been invaluable.

Lessons and Advice

When asked if she could offer any advice or lessons to other parents facing similar circumstances, Madhavi explained that her family is simply living day-to-day. She said,''We are just living day-to-day, that's all. I don't know what happens or anything. We are dreading it. I know because they will surely go to high court. We'll have to go through this again.''

A Message for the Public

In her final message, Madhavi expressed a simple hope for the future, saying, "I hope that there are more judgments like this so that at least Delhi becomes a safer place. Not only Delhi, the whole of India, everywhere. Only thing is it should be fast. Fifteen years is too long a period. People forget the crime and relate the judgment to it. That is a problem."