Indian Express

Delhi gangrape victim laid to rest in clandestine manner, politicians attend the funeral

Prawesh Lama Posted online: Sun Dec 30 2012, 08:42 hrs
New Delhi : At around 6.05 am, the body was carried in an ambulance from her house escorted by more than 15 Delhi Police Vehicles and trailed by atleast 25 gypsies and DTC buses packed with security personnel. RPN Singh, Minister of State for Home, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, MP Mahabir Mishra were present amongst other politicians.

In a bid to prevent any violent protests on the road, the whole stretch between the cremation ground and the house of the deceased was guarded by more than a thousand police officials standing at each side of the road.

The funeral pyre was lit by the father and brothers of the deceased surrounded by atleast a hundred police officials. The pyre was finally lit at around 7.35 am.after the heavy fog settled and there was some visibilty at the cremation ground.

Outside the gate of the cemetery, atleast 70 personnel from the RAF were posted to prevent any violence. An equal number of RAF personnel were also present inside the cemetery.

RPN Singh asked the father of the deceased for forgiveness and also assured that the government would help them in all the ways. Sheila Dikshit, who reached late also spent a few minutes with the bereaved family.

The deceased along with her family members were flown back to country in an Air India Flight 816 A at 3.25 this morning.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi also reached Terminal 3 to pay their last respects. Police officials said that they were told about the PM's visit at the last minute and ordered not to place any security personnel on his route.

Everything at the colony was carried out in a clandestine manner. Neighbours who were woken up by the sounds of the thousands of police personnel said that they had never seen such police presence in their colony. All the narrow corridors at the colony was blocked to prevent any protestors from reaching the house of the deceased.