Hang them or shoot them, I want justice: Unnao rape victim’s father

Hours after the Unnao rape victims’ wrecked body was consigned to flames at her native village in Uttar Pradesh, her inconsolable father was frantically demanding justice for his daughter who was set ablaze by the men who she had accused of having raped her.

“I just want justice for my daughter. Whether you hang them through legal recourse or shoot them like what has been done in Hyderabad… do whatever you can, but I want the culprits dead,” he said in desperation as he tried to fight back his tears.

The killing of the four accused involved in the rape and murder of a Hyderabad vet in a police encounter on Friday has made people across the country demand “similar justice” in all rape cases.

The Unnao rape victim and her family had been running from pillar to post to get the accused caught. On Thursday, when she was on her way to the court in Rae Bareli, five men, including two of the accused, waylaid her and set her ablaze.

With 90 per cent burns, she was rushed to a Delhi hospital where she died on Friday night. The incident caused an uproar and protests were held in different parts of the country including in the national capital where women protesters openly demanded “Hyderabad like justice”

Asked if he still has faith in the state administration, the victim’s father said that he has been assured of a meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and that the culprits will be prosecuted effectively.

Remembering his daughter, he said that she wanted to join the police force or become a lawyer but those dreams have now died with her.