Residents of Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar are not quite jubilant over the life sentence to Manohar Kadam in the firing case; many see his conviction as only half a victory. They point out that the people who initially put a garland of slippers around the Ambedkar statue are still at large.

A heavy posse of SRPF and Riot Control Police was stationed in the area on Thursday but the judgment prevented any untoward situation. When it came, the celebrations were restricted to putting a garland on the statue and putting up hoardings.

“There is still a sense of injustice in the area,” said Jaywant Hire (45), an activist and journalist. “First because what happened that day was a brutal act, the people who were shot at were not even part of the protest but were those going to work from the other side of the Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar. Kadam should be hanged and more importantly, the people behind the desecration should be sought out. Lastly, the case that has been made against the victims claiming they were part of a mob who were about to burn a gas tanker should be withdrawn,” he said.

Hire’s sentiments are echoed throughout the area. “My nephew and his family were going out in the morning when the firing began. His head was blown out by a bullet. When his parents tried to take his body, they were told they would be shot if they touched it,” said Sushma Shivsharan. “He was only 14. His parents couldn’t bear to live here any longer. Kadam should hang.”

... contd.