I Asked Her to Take Rest but She Never Woke Up: Nirbhaya’s Father

“At around 9 pm on 25 December 2012, before my daughter went to coma, she signalled me to go near her. When I went, she asked me if I have eaten and told me to get some rest. I asked her to do the same. Unfortunately, I got my share of rest but she never woke up after that,” said Nirbhaya’s father, fighting his tears.

Recalling the day from five years ago when six men raped his daughter, including a juvenile, on the streets of the national capital, Badrinath said:

On 16 December 2012, I reached home around 11.45 pm and got to know that my daughter didn’t return yet. Out of panic, I started looking for her here and there. Then I got a call from Safdarjung, and the rest is known to everyone.

Badrinath, Nirbhaya’s father

When he reached Safdarjung hospital, he was taken to the trauma centre where he got to know about the incident. He recalls blacking out initially, but took control soon after with help from a friend.

That moment cannot be described in words.

Five years have passed but Nirbhaya still awaits justice as the death penalty given to her rapists remain on paper.

The entire journey has been very difficult, but our experience in dealing with the Supreme Court proceedings have been very traumatising.

Badrinath, Nirbhaya’s father

He said though people have been assuring him of hope, he knows nothing will change. He thanked Congress President Rahul Gandhi for supporting his family through the entire journey.

Nirbhaya Jyoti Trust had organised a service on Saturday, 16 December, in memory of Nirbhaya where the Delhi Chief Minister was interrupted during his speech, leading to a ruckus. The entire family of Nirbhaya left the event disturbed and disappointed.

Video Editor: Md Ibrahim

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