Working at a restaurant in South, juvenile convict leading a ‘good’ life

Away from the limelight on the verdict in the December 16 gang-rape and murder, the ‘juvenile’ convict, who was found guilty of raping and killing the 23-year-old physiotherapist on December 16, 2012 — has settled well in his new life. Unaware of the development in the case, he is cooking at a restaurant and leading a ‘good’ life. He has turned 23 years now.

“He was always worried about getting lynched and that is why he was sent to the southern part of the country. Now, the verdict has come, focus will again move to him but he is at a place where he might not even see the news channels. His employer is not aware of his past and even he has left it behind,” said an official, who was part of his rehabilitation process.

The officer, however, refused to reveal any further details fearing safety of the ‘juvenile’ and said he is leading a happy life.

A year after he walked free, he was employed at a dhaba in south India. “After his release on December 20, 2015, he was kept with an NGO for a few days. Later, the NGO rehabilitated him to the southern part of the country. He is employed as cook at a restaurant,” he said.

The officer said not many are aware of his background. He was 11 when he fled home, 240 km from Delhi. His elder sister fends for the family of six — ailing mother, younger siblings and bedridden father. The family still lives in the same village.

During his time at the shelter, he used to call his mother often, said an official. Welfare officers and a counsellor, who spoke to him at the correction home, told HT that he was the most disciplined inmate.