Accused’s mother claims her sons innocent

BISADA (GREATER NOIDA): Life was never easy for Lila Devi, who has been suffering from paralysis for last five years and is completely depended on her sons — Hariom and Shriom — both of whom were arrested for allegedly lynching Mohmmad Ikhlaq last Monday.

“Hariom and Shriom worked as small t echnicians and labourers. They used to bring some money for food. Now as they have gone to jail, I don’t have a loaf of bread to eat. From past one week, I have not taken my medicines as I have no money,” said the bedridden, elderly woman.

Lila Devi claims both of her sons are innocent. “Hariom is a qualified technician and Shriom is in class 12. My husband Raja Ram Singh had passed away 11 years back. I worked day and night to feed my children. Five years back, I suffered a paralysis attack and since then, my sons have taken care of me,” Lila said.

She now depends on her daughter Savitri for her daily chores and ablutions. The 35-year-old is married and resides in the same village.

Explaining the extent of their poverty, Savitri said they don’t even have the money to repair the door and cots that were broken on the night when police barged in to arrest her brothers.

“When t he police came, they broke the door open and while trying to overpower him, they broke the cot on which my mother was sleeping. She fell on the ground, but they didn’t bother. They took my brothers, leaving my paralyzed mother on the floor crying for help,” Savitri said, adding that the cot her mother sleeps on is a result of the neighbours’ benevolence.

“I have covered the door with a bed sheet for now,” Savitri said.

“My sons were here with me at the time of the incident. Why the police have arrested so many persons when only one of them have killed Ikhlaq? If any of my sons don’t return soon, I will not survive for long. Whom should I request for a fast and fair trial?” Lila said.

THE PARALYSED WOMAN NOW DEPENDS ON HER MARRIED DAUGHTER FOR ALL HER NEEDS; STRUGGLES WITH EXTREME POVERTY