Natwarlal had told DNA that he has a joint family of more than 100 people in Sumerpur village, Rajasthan, but that they do not allow him and his children to enter their house and have not invited them to any functions in the last nine years.
Devika Natwarlal Rotawan, now an 18-year-old, was the youngest eyewitness to depose in court to identify Ajmal Kasab — the only terrorist caught alive during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. However, as DNA had reported on the 9th anniversary of the attack, fearing reprisal from Pakistani terrorists, she, her father and brother had been ostracised by their friends and extended family in their native village in Rajasthan.
But now, to honour Devika's bravery, Tapovan, an NGO from Rajasthan, and Sandeep Bhingude, a soldier from the Indian Army, have come forward to help her and her family. The NGO has offered a home to Devika in the next six months, while Bhingude, who is associated with a group called Rashtriya Dharma Bhakta Samuha, has decided to provide financial assistance to Devika for her education and other expenses to build her future.
In the 26/11 attack, Devika, Natwarlal Rotawan's daughter, was shot in her leg and had to undergo six surgeries. To make matters worse, Rotawan and his family were then outcast by friends and extended relatives because they witnessed the attacks.
Natwarlal had told DNA that he has a joint family of more than 100 people in Sumerpur village, Rajasthan, but that they do not allow him and his children to enter their house and have not invited them to any functions in the last nine years.
He said that since the Pakistan border was less than 40 km from his village, his relatives feared that they may be attacked by terrorists if they allowed Devika and her family to stay with them.
Meanwhile, Bhingude, who identified himself only as a soldier who was posted in Kashmir and is now based in Bengaluru, said, "I felt very proud of the girl's bravery to identify the terrorist in spite of getting shot. However, I felt very sad that she and her family are facing so many difficulties. I forwarded the story on her plight to my group and many have come forward to help her."
"In just three days, I have received calls from Dhule, Nanded, Pune and many other places offering help to Devika. One of my friends is willing to provide all materials required for her education. Our group is very proud of Devika and we will all help her in our own way," Bhingude added.
Mahesh Periwal from NGO Tapovan said, "I visited Natwarlal's family and I have offered a home in Gangapur in Rajasthan, and all her expenses for education and residence till Devika stands on her feet and is capable of earning for herself".
The Natwarlal family is now likely to shift to Gangapur after Devika finishes her exams in March 2018.
Speaking to DNA, Natwarlal said, "Many politicians have visited us with their fake promises, but we are extremely happy that an Army man visited us and offered help. Devika was brave in identifying the terrorist at such a young age. It is a kind of service towards the nation, which the Army men can truly connect to, and not politicians," Natwarlal added.
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 "Devika Natwarlal")
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