Scar of acid attack and the ordeal followed thereafter is so deep on the heart and mind of Sonali Mukherjee that she has even refused a Government job at Dhanbad; her native town. Recently offered a fourth grade job by the State Government, the 28-year-old has pressed for a Bokaro posting.
“The brutal incident had taken place at Dhanbad. How can I go to the town again that has taken away everything out of me and ruined my entire lifeIJ I would not join the service if it is offered at Dhanbad," Sonali told The Pioneer on Monday over phone from Delhi where she is undergoing series of surgery and intensive medical care.
The State Cabinet had in November, 2013 decided to offer a job to her. The demand was pending since she was thrown acid allegedly by three youths of her locality in 2003 when refused sexual favours by Sonali, then in her teens. The incident left the brave and promising NCC cadet near complete blind and partially deaf with totally disfigured face and neck. She is still under close observation of medical experts after going under knife for more than 25 occasions.
"I have no hope left from the town and people over there. It has not helped me at all. It would not be possible for me to move in the town and come face to face with those predators. It would be extremely difficult for me and my family whose safety and security is paramount at this stage," said Sonali with broken voice and added that that kind of assistance would be of no meaning for her. Tired of constant threats from the attackers she and her family had to abandon their home in Dhanbad.
Besides the location, Sonali also wants that the Government should contact and take her opinion before the appointment so that a suitable nature of job can come to her.
"They should keep my physical condition in mind before deputing me in the office. It would be of no meaning if I am not able to perform my duty properly. After all, it is the duty of the State to me," she said. Following the Cabinet decision a letter was initially sent to Dhanbad district administration for completing necessary formalities before clearing her appointment.
"The Government had initiated process to depute her at Dhanbad but she wanted the job at Bokaro. Keeping her condition in mind we have sent a proposal for this matter to the Government and waiting for the response. We would initiate the process based on the direction received," said Bokaro DC Uma Shankar Singh. The DC also assured that the job would be offered to her keeping in mind her physical condition and limitations.
Nevertheless, her resolve seems to have worked as Sonali has few days ago received a letter from Bokaro district administration seeking her testimonials about educational qualification and domicile that she has already sent.