Justice or death, Sonali makes plea

VIJAY DEO JHA

RANCHI 

Her life is, as though, someone having ugly aesthetic sense has vandalized a picturesque landscape. In her case the life is black and bleak too. Sonali Mukherjee (27) has nearly destroyed albums of Kodak moments of those days when she was beautiful and full of energy.

Her life turned ugly on dreary night of April 22, 2003 when three accused named as Tapas Mitra, Sanjay Paswan, and Bhrahmadev Hajra splashed acid on her face when she was fast asleep on the terrace of her Bhelatand residence in Dhanbad. Her once beautiful face turned into an ugly visage of acid attack. Flesh on her face melted away, her nose and an ear got totally damaged, her beautiful big eyes turned into a circular orb leaving her partially blind for rest of her life. Acid left deep scar on her neck, right part of her chest and hands. Medically she was declared 72 percent burnt; emotionally injury was beyond repair and beyond any measurement. Her only faults that she dared them and threatened them police complaint as they were harassing her with lewd and leer.

She has been fighting a lone battle for justice over the years and there is no assurance and timeline about the deliverance of justice. “Gato chhaee varshe theke nyay pawaar High Court darjaaee dariye. Ataee kee justice delayed justice denied nai? Nayay pawaar aage awadhi aami dekhe thakle to,(From last six years I have been running to High Court to seek justice. Isn’t it justice delayed justice denied? I will see justice only if I remain alive),” Sonali said.

Her father Chandidas Mukherjee — once a watchman now unemployed — sold away all his property and the jewellary of his wife to fight legal battle and for her treatment. “No more money sir. I have spent more than 12 lakh. I am in deep debt. I have taken my daughter to almost all hospitals for her treatment,” her father said. Accused were convicted with nine years of jail term. They came out after securing bail from Jharkhand High Court only to threaten Mukherjees. Frightened, the family shifted to Kasmar in Bokaro leading life in isolation and deep depression. Long back Sonali appealed Jharkhand High Court for the cancellation of bail of the accused. Every time she returns with a next date of hearing — an unending agony that has shattered Sonali who was known for her courage as a brave NCC cadet. Her lawyer Paravver Chattarjee has absolutely no idea whether any section exists in penal code to end her agony.

Sonali Mukherjee

Her mother has become depressed; grandfather died in agony and her younger sister and brother Devasish and Sneha are jittery to venture out. Her father now works as a priest to run the family. He is blessing others, and, unfortunately he could not secure same for her daughter; even earthy Gods have denied so.

“Tell me where to go? Who will listen to me? Why should I suffer? When shall I get justice? I am gradually losing courage. Allow me to end my life you can’t give me justice. My life was destroyed.” Her many ‘who’ and ‘why’ have failed to jangle the nerves of power portal in Ranchi and elsewhere.

The family knocked all possible doors of high and mighty including three Chief Ministers of Jharkhand Madhu Koda, Arjun Munda and Shibu Soren and other for justice and assistance: all sympathized but no support.

She can’t withstand mirror for a moment, probably, she expects no miracle because even partial miracle of plastic surgery will cost not less than Rs 10 lakh. The thick-skinned establishment blithely eased responsibility off its shoulders and pretended not a crease of blame, much less a scar. Administration can pretend that she is already covered under social security scheme and paid Rs 200 each month disability allowance for being physically challenged. He grandmother is paid Rs 400 per month as old age pension. Her single page petition for financial assistance submitted to Welfare Department and CMO has turned into thick documents of official apathy because the file moved but not really.

She has approached the State Women Commission for protection. Fresh promises were made by the Jharkhand government to look into her case. “The case has been brought to our notice. Government will certainly look into the matter. All possible help will be offered,” Women and Child Welfare Minister Vimla Pradhan said.

Sonali’s eyes have welled up again and her distorted face makes sure she can’t contain her tears. Be it the High Court for justice or hospital for treatment she is asked to wait in patience and her patience knows no bound.