Relatives of Bishwajit Das have expressed fears for their safety after the conviction and sentencing of Mr Das’s murderers on Wednesday.
While it is welcome that the courts have duly tried the 21 people involved in the murder, the family are naturally concerned that two of the people given the most severe sentence are currently absconding and 11 of the 13 persons given life sentences are still on the run.
It is imperative that the police provide all necessary protection to assuage the family’s fears.
As well as suffering from a horrific crime, Mr Das’s father and brother had to testify at the murder trial and justly deserve public protection as well as sympathy.
In order to fully provide justice, every effort must be made to apprehend the remaining absconders.
The courts have acted decisively to show that politically connected persons should not expect leniency for crimes they commit. The government should leave no room for doubt that it too supports this message, by publicly supporting the police in catching the 13 convicted perpetrators who remain at large.
