Himachal The case of death of Ashima, a teacher of Jayadevi School in Sundernagar of Mandi district of the state, is continuously gaining momentum. Now the maternal side of the deceased has raised questions on the current investigation of the police and has refused to consider her death as suicide. The family members have made serious allegations against the in-laws and have demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for a fresh and impartial investigation of the case.
People took to the streets with candles in their hands
Local people, businessmen and various social organizations along with family members took out a candle march in Sundernagar on Thursday demanding justice for Ashima. The protesters demanded the government to conduct an impartial investigation into the matter, bring out the truth and take strict action against the culprits. The candle march started from Gopal Mandir located in Bhojpur market. From here people proceeded towards Maharana Pratap Chowk with candles and banners in their hands.
During the march, protesters raised slogans demanding justice for Ashima. People registered their protest by raising slogans like “Give justice to Ashima”, “We want justice, not stories” and “Give strict punishment to the culprits”. After reaching Maharana Pratap Chowk, the protesters observed two minutes silence and prayed for the peace of Ashima’s soul.
Family raised questions regarding investigation of evidence
After the candle march, the family members, under the leadership of the deceased’s father Suleman Ansari, sent a memorandum to Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu through Sundernagar SDM Amar Negi. Through the memorandum, the family put forward their concerns regarding the investigation of the case before the government. The family members allege that there are some aspects in the investigation of the case which have not been given adequate attention. He says that until all the circumstances and available evidence are scientifically investigated, many questions will remain regarding the actual cause of death.
The family members have alleged that many important points were allegedly ignored in the investigation. He has raised questions regarding alleged discrepancies related to the timing of the incident, the process of forensic investigation, statements of witnesses and scientific investigation of call detail records. The family says that to get to the bottom of the case, it is necessary to examine every technical and forensic evidence closely. On this basis, he has demanded to constitute SIT to monitor the police investigation and ensure impartiality.
Support of traders and social organizations
The family members of the deceased have also raised questions regarding the alleged non-recovery of some items. According to the family, Ashima’s bag, jewellery, watch, school keys and other items have not been recovered yet. The relatives have demanded that these items be traced and an investigation be conducted to determine whether their use, transfer or disappearance after the incident is in any way connected to the circumstances of the case.
The family says that in such cases even the smallest object can be important for investigation, hence all possible evidence should be secured and scientifically investigated. The demand for justice for Ashima has also received support from various organizations of Sundernagar. Local people including United Trade Organization Sundernagar, Trade Board and Human Rights International Federation participated in the candle march and supported the demands of the family.
Four accused in judicial custody
The supporting organizations said that it is necessary to have an impartial investigation into the matter, so that no injustice is done to any party and the real facts come out. The organizations warned that if the government does not soon form a SIT and start a scientific and impartial investigation into the matter, the movement will be further expanded. It is noteworthy that on the basis of the complaint of Ashima’s brother, a case was registered against her in-laws in Sundernagar’s BSL Colony police station on charges of abetting suicide.
Police had arrested Ashima’s husband Qasim Shaikh, father-in-law Karmdeen Shaikh, mother-in-law Rajbibi and sister-in-law Kajima Shaikh in the case. All four accused are said to be residents of Sarkaghat area of Mandi. After completion of the police remand period, the court has sent all four to judicial custody for 14 days. Police investigation in the matter is still going on. Now Ashima’s maternal side has clearly put forward the demand for SIT investigation before the government. The family says that they want not just assurance, but an impartial and scientific investigation into every link of the case.
Trying to give this message to the government
Through the candle march, the family members and supporters tried to send a message to the government that their demand for justice will continue until all the questions related to the death are answered. At present, the police investigation and judicial process in the case is progressing. On the other hand, pressure from family and local organizations is increasing demanding formation of SIT. Now the focus is on what decision the government takes on this demand and what further facts emerge in the investigation.