Friends, relatives, campaigners for justice exult at the conviction of Manu Sharma, found guilty of murdering model Jessica Lall.
NEW DELHI: As the news of Delhi High Court pronouncing the verdict in the Jessica Lall case came out, reactions started pouring in thick and fast.
"It has been a long fight but the end result is amazing. It is a vindication of all of us. It is a great day for our family," said Sabrina Lall, sister of Jessica. She said she had been hoping for the best and the past few days were of extreme emotion. Having lost both her parents in the course of trying to seek justice, Sabrina has been a lone ranger confronting a complex system. "I am missing my parents. I am sure they'll all be in peace today," she added.
Socialite Bina Ramani, at whose restaurant Tamarind Court Jessica was shot on April 29, 1999, said, "I feel good that it's finally over after seven years. I still remember the time when we were taking her to the hospital and she was fighting for her life."
Neelam Katara, Nitish Katara's mother, who is fighting a similar battle to get justice for her murdered son, hailed the judgment. "I never lost faith in the system and justice has been delivered finally. But the fact remains that it was delayed. For me it is a breather to know that Vikas Yadav has been finally convicted in some case. Every morning I wake up and discover that he has put up a bail application somewhere. Now there is a feeling of hope and relief for me."
Indu Jalali, Priyadarshini Mattoo's, friend said, "It was Sabrina's fight that opened up Priyadarshini Mattoo's case. Jessica's murder was as brutal as Priyadarshini's and I hope the accused is given similar punishment."
Shayan Munshi, key witness in the case, said, "I really wish the verdict had come earlier. Nevertheless, it is a huge relief, as it signifies an end to this chapter."
Amod Kanth, DGP, Arunachal Pradesh, who headed the investigation, said: "It is a moral victory for the Delhi police. The conviction has been done on the basis of original investigation that was done in 2001. Many people had pointed fingers at my team and me but we were sure there was strong evidence."
K K Paul, Delhi police commissioner, said: "The Delhi police will press for the harshest of punishment for Manu Sharma."
S K Saxena, the special public prosecutor (SPP) in the Jessica Lal murder case, said he is "very happy" at the conviction of Manu Sharma. Unlike many others, Saxena, who has been handling various criminal cases involving high-profile offenders, has a special reason to feel good now. He hit the headlines for the wrong reasons after the acquittal of Manu Sharma and Vikas Yadav, among others.
The media focused on his role as the public prosecutor following Delhi High Court's caustic remarks on the efficacy of the SPP.
But, now the High Court has relied on the same evidence that Saxena had relied on for nailing the accused.
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