While rooting for “severest of punishment” to the five accused in the much-discussed Mumbai gang-rape case, the family of the victim on Sunday appealed to the media to respect its privacy “in this most trying time of our lives” and “give us the breathing space we so desperately need by not visiting our residence”.
In a statement issued to the “members of the print and television media of Mumbai and the nation at large” through Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan’s office, the victim’s family said: “Now that stringent laws are in place, we are optimistic that the Government’s efforts will help fast track the matter so that the severest of punishment is meted out. This will ensure that even the most sick-minded think twice before they act in such an inhuman and insensitive way”.
In the statement, the family head appealed to the media “Please continue to respect the privacy of my daughter and me in this most trying time of our lives and give us the breathing space we so desperately need by not visiting our residence. We live in a society where such actions will only make it more difficult for us to get back to a normal life. This can also impact my daughter’s life and become an impediment in our struggle to regain our sanity and composure”. In its statement, the family head said: “My daughter and I are overwhelmed with the support given to us by the police, the media and the public at large during such a nightmarish phase for us.
“We want to thank you all for showing sensitivity and restraint which has given us strength, hope and courage to pick up the pieces of our lives after the most tragic incident, the family stated.
It also went onto thank the authorities including the Jaslok hospital staff and management, the state administration, the Chief Minister’s Office and Mumbai police for their support and prompt action.