Family of Park Street rape victim 'very happy' with verdict

Kolkata, Dec 10: The family of the Park Street gangrape victim today said that it was 'very happy' with the verdict of a city court which pronounced three accused in the case guilty. "We are very happy with the order of the court.

She is no more with us, but she is watching from above," Nikki Jordan, sister of the victim, said after the verdict at the City Sessions Court here. "Her soul will now rest in peace," she said.

The woman was picked up from in front of a night club at Park Street in the heart of the city on the night of February 5, 2012, and gangraped inside a moving car before being thrown out about two km away.

The incident had led to a huge uproar with both opposition political parties and civil rights outfits resorting to protests over security of women in the metropolis, which is generally considered safe for women.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's comment that it was 'sajano ghatana' (concocted incident), had also faced criticism.

"It was tough for her, but she was a very strong woman and went through the trial process," the sister of the victim, who died of Encephalitis in March this year, said. "She knew her character would be questioned for having gone to a night club and that is why she did not go to police in the beginning," Jordan said.

"But finally when she went, she remained strong and went through the trial process," Jordan said.

The victim had filed a police complaint a few days after the incident had taken place. Other family members of the victim, who were present, expressed their happiness with the order.

Quantum of punishment of the three accused, who were found guilty by the court, would be announced tomorrow. Two other accused, including main accused Kadir Khan, are absconding.

PTI