You are a mother, care for my anguish: Suryanelli survivor's mom tells Sonia

Suryanelli rape victim's mother today wrote to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi wondering how P J Kurien – who is alleged to be involved in the incident – could continue as Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, particularly when the bill on sexual violence against women is about to be considered by the Upper House.

In her letter faxed to Gandhi, with a copy to AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi, the 70-year-old woman expressed anguish over the Congress-led UDF government's reluctance to order further investigation in Kurien's alleged involvement in the case.

Striking an emotional note, the girl's mother hoped that Gandhi would understand the anguish of her family since she is a mother herself.

"... I wonder how can he (Kurien) chair the discussions when the ordinance aiming at the emancipation of womanhood in India promulgated by the Union of India with regard to the sexual offences against women in the Upper House of Parliament...(is about to be considered)."

"Such a situation would amount to tarnishing the image of your party which has got a glorious history in protecting the weaker sex of this country," she said.

Recalling the harrowing experience through which the girl and her family has been through since 1996, the woman said: "We bonafidely believe that Kurien had exerted undue influence over the investigating officials in order to escape from the clutches of the law and he has succeeded in that."

She said the family had a genuine grievance in the matter and "though we have petitioned the present chief minister of Kerala and the Home Minister to explore the legal possibilities in the matter, their attitude is not positive. We doubt they are forced to take such a stand due to political inclinations," she said.

She said: "We have learnt from newspapers that the high command of Congress has decided to support Kurien in this matter. As far as we are concerned, it is heart-breaking," she added.

... contd.

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