Cab rape: Survivor, kin relieved, Yadav’s family in tears

Tears flowed freely on both sides as a fast-track court on Tuesday brought down the curtains on the 11-month legal battle in the sensational Uber cab rape case awarding life term until death to convict Shiv Kumar Yadav. On one side was the relieved 25-year-old survivor, while on the other was the cabbie's inconsolable family, which included his aged father, wife and two minor daughters. As soon as additional sessions judge Kaveri Baweja pronounced the sentence, both families found it tough to keep their emotions in control. The survivor's parents were visibly satisfied with the court's decision and quietly left the premises after the sentencing. Her father, who hardly skipped any hearing, later told TOI on the phone, "We are very happy and I am satisfied. This was the maximum punishment that he could have got under the law. This will set an example and act as a deterrent for potential offenders and compel people to take the law seriously." Yadav's wailing wife fainted inside the courtroom and was brought back to consciousness by her crying daughters, court staff and lawyers. The family had appeared nervous and disturbed from the beginning of the hearing, but Yadav tried to put up a brave front and sat through the proceedings patiently in the jam-packed courtroom. However, on seeing his family break down, Yadav too battled to control his tears. His wife was overheard that she, her children and his aged parents are now left with no one to care for them. Tears rolled down Yadav's cheeks as he tried to console his family by repeatedly telling them he is innocent. He blamed the police and media for "falsely implicating" him as he sat with his hands clutched by policemen. Yadav's father, a retired school teacher, also appeared very disturbed. His wife is bedridden and he has already lost two of his sons.He is now left with a specially-abled son now that Yadav is being sent to jail for life. Both parties, however, said they would continue to "fight for justice". Yadav's counsel D K Mishra assured his family that he would challenge the trial court's order in Delhi high court. The survivor's father, said, "I am sure the defence will file an appeal against this order in high court and I am ready for that. We have to win this for my daughter, for my family and for all other rape victims. I feel bad for Yadav's family, but a strong message must be sent and such crimes have to end," he said.