Bus conductor’s kin relieved, say they knew he was innocent
GURGAON: The family of 42-yearold bus conductor Ashok Kumar, who was the first suspect in the Ryan International School murder case, is relieved at the turn of events after the CBI announced on Wednesday that a Class 11 student of the school was responsible for the murder eight-year old Pradyumn.
Both parents of Kumar, his wife and relatives said that they were convinced about his innocence and were elated by the new facts that emerged in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation.
The CBI on Wednesday said that a Class 11 student of Ryan School was behind the September 8 murder, which shocked the nation and sparked major protests.
Ami Chand, Kumar’s father, said that their stand has been vindicated by the CBI. The fam- ily however said that they had to suffer a lot in the wake of his arrest, and Chand had to rejoin work at a school in village Ghamdauj despite his old age. “I want to thank the CBI and all the people of the village who stood by us, helped us financially and gave their support,” he added.
Kumar’s wife, 24-year-old Mamta, said that life had become extremely tough as there was no source of income to feed the family. “We were shocked by his arrest as he is an extremely docile man who would harm none, forget a murder. I hope he will be released soon,” she said.
The family also maintained that the confession made by Kumar in connection with the murder was obtained after he was tortured by the police. “It can be seen in the video that Ashok was unable to walk. His legs are not stable and he can’t even properly stand now,” said Kela Devi, his mother.
Large number of relatives and neighbours who had gathered at the family home on the outskirts of Gharoj demanded that compensation should be given to Kumar for the immense pain caused to him and his family.
“No one from the government or police came to the family when he was termed accused but at least the state and the school authorities must come forward to help them,” said Satpal Raghav, former sarpanch of the village.
BARUN THAKUR, Pradyumn’s dad