(Image source from: Mumbai Nurse Aruna Shanbaug's rapist in Uttar Pradesh })
Just two weeks after the demise of Aruna Shaunbaug, who fought for her right to live for 42 years in a coma, her attacker was spotted in a village in Uttar Pradesh.
Sohanlal Bharta Walmiki, now around 70 years old, is not staying in his own home, but that of his in-laws, along with his wife Bimla, and two sons Krishna and Ravinder and two daughters. He has a grandson as well. He claimed that he earns only Rs 4,000 a month and has to spend Rs 5,000 every six months for treating an eye ailment. He also has blood pressure issues.
When asked about Aruna, he replied why the issue of rape had come up after all these years. "Khabar to 42 shall peel bhi aayi thi, tab bhi use rape ka zikr nahi tha (News had been reported even 42 years ago, but there was no mention of rape then)," he said.
He said that he came to know the news of Aruna through one his relatives in New Delhi.
Aruna Shaunbaug reignites the topic of euthanasia.
The Mumbai Police is reportedly planning to file a fresh case against Valmiki. Responding on the news Hapur district magistrate told media that he would intervene if Mumbai police sought help. "It is yet to be established what the status of the case is. If Mumbai police contacts the district administration, we will extend our help," Yadav said.
- Manohar. M
