24 years later: Justice delayed is justice denied
257 people died and 713 injured is the basic data available of 1993 serial blast case. However, the list submitted by Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) shows 232 dead and 638 injured. Over this difference in number, especially, the court said, CBI will be given 15 days to submit the exact number of injured and their details.
The court is satisfied that compensation should be given to the victims and their families (in case of deceased). However, the court observed that this amount is rather less and hence asked CBI to make an application to the government, asking for more money.
“It is clear, paying from the fine amount is meagre for the rehabilitation of the victims and their families. We have asked the District Legal Service Authority to finalise the amount,” said Justice Sanap.
CBI has to write an application to the central government asking to increase the compensation amount. The CBI will have to work with the DLSA in identifying the remaining injured or their families.
After 24 years, the trial of the first serial bomb blast in this city has finally ended. However, the victims who survived this blood bath are not satisfied with the sentencing and the amount of compensation.
“After 24 years two get a lifer and one is out with 10years jail is hardly the kind of justice we expected. This is not going to be a deterrent to those young minds that are provoked and likely to become terrorists. There has to be some sort of fear and pressure,” Sachin Sarmalkar, a survivor told Free Press Journal.
Sarmalkar still suffers from acute pain, having suffered multiple injuries, mainly on his head. “During heavy rains or when it gets really cold my pains become far more acute.” Similar is the story of Kirti Ahuja who still has many glass pieces in his body even after 40 surgeries.
“I still have glass splinters in my body even after 40 surgeries. Justice delayed is justice denied. After 24 years some have been let off easy and the victims have been completely ignored,” said Ajmera.
Ajmera feels let down by every government for ignoring the victims. “Nobody has come to meet us and give us any help in all these years. Forget compensation, we are all not fully recovered and still have physical pain from our injuries. Irrespective of any party, every government has been the same,” said Ajmera.