Mumbai: Even as the outrage over delay in bringing the convicts of Nirbhaya rape and murder case to justice is growing, yet another case rocked the country. A lady professor from Hinganghat town of Wardha district in Maharashtra was set ablaze by a youth. The victim has sustained 40 percent injuries and is struggling for life at Orange City Hospital, Nagpur. In the outrage, residents of Hinghanghat observed a bandh today to condemn the incident.
Meanwhile, taking serious note of the horrific incident, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday announced that the entire cost of the medical treatment of the victim shall be borne from the Chief Ministers Medical Assistance Cell coffers. He directed the police to conduct a proper investigation into the crime.
Reacting to the incident, Minister for Home, Anil Deshmukh tweeted “the incident puts humanity to shame. The government stands firmly behind the victim. Orders have been issued for the cost of the medical treatment and full expenses shall be borne by the state government”
According to the doctors treating her, next 72 hours are critical for as the windpipe has sustained burns and the victim is facing difficulties in breathing. According to information, the accused identified as Vikesh Nagrale, was in love with the victim. He was harassing the victim since last few months, despite strong objections by the victim. Nagrale followed her to bus stop on February 3 and boarded the same bus, the victim took to go to her collage.
After arguments with him on the bus, the victim alighted at Nandori Square, Hinganghat and Nagrale too followed her. The due had heated arguments there, following which, Nagrale doused her with petrol and set her ablaze. The people nearby rushed to her rescue and rushed her to hospital. She was later shifted to Nagpur for treatment. Hinganghat police has arrested Nagrale. After being produced in the court, he was sent to police custody till February 8.
It is learnt that family of the victim confronted Nagrale three months ago and warned him against harassing her. “We had confronted Nagrale three months back and cautioned him. He then assured us that he would not cross paths with our daughter. However, he started harassing her again,” said victim’s father. The anguish among citizens of Hinganghat is evident from the sharp reactions during the bandh today.
Many women in the town demanded that Nagrale be handed over to people to be punished in the same manner. Victim’s mother said that Nagrale should also be burnt alive like her daughter. Meanwhile, the issue rocked Parliament also. Member of Parliament from Amravati Navneet Kaur Rana raised the issue in the House today and expressed serious concern over growing crimes against women. She appealed the government to take immediate action in the matter.
