7, Chelmsford Road is just another house in the capital.
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However, it has an altogether different story to narrate and shall be recalled henceforth, in India’s history. For the last six years it has witnessed the iron-lady Neelam Katara stand tall facing various turns and twists of life. She lost her son (Nitesh) and later her husband; but strangely, these concrete walls helped her built a strong resolve to fight the trauma. Neelam decided that she would rest only when justice will be served, in the case of Nitesh. Perhaps, it was ‘only’ hope, which survived with her…
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Neelam Katara with son Nitin coming out of the Patiala House Court (TOI)-
On the ill-fated day of 17th February 2002; Nitesh Katara a young executive was kidnapped, and battered to death with a hammer before the body was burnt. This heinous act was carried out by Vikas Yadav (along with his cousin Vishal Yadav); son of U.P. mafia turned politician D.P. Yadav.
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Interestingly, Bharti Yadav, daughter of D.P. Yadav proved to be an important link in the whole scenario. The motive and intention of killing has been crystal clear since the day of the crime. Both Nitesh and Bharti were in love with each other, a relationship not approved by the Yadav brothers. However, this was proved only today in the court of law after a consistent war against the mafia, which committed the crime and then tried to shield the culprit for as long as it could.
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It has been more than 6 years for this dark tunnel of injustice to discover the bright sunshine. Money, Muscle and Power were used each day to delay the proceedings of the honourable court. On quite a few occasions and even recently, certain actions were deliberately performed to deviate the attention of the court.
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All this while, Neelam Katara stood like a strong pillar not only in her own case but also for the cause of score of other cases like Jessica Lall and Priyadarshini Mattoo; apart from her own Kashmiri Pandit Community. She never hesitated to voice her opinion against injustice, and to stand up for her idealistic child Nitesh was always a top priority. "He was a fearless warrior; always ready to help and speak out for justice"; she recalls.
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It hasn't been an easy journey; Katara's suffered hell in last 6 years. She ran from pillar to post to shift the proceedings of the case from the Ghaziabad court to the Delhi District Court. Official records say, that Neelam Katara was present in all 400 hearings of the case. Need I say more?
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It had been two years since we started our campaign for the Justice of these cases. We met success in the Priyadarshini Mattoo and the Jessica Lall Case towards the end of 2006 after rounds of protests, campaigns, awareness drives and candle light vigils. But, the one and only unforgettable loss at heart that I personally suffered was to not be able to witness the conviction of the accused, who had murdered Katara. Nevertheless, it has taken long for the agencies to act; though they finally arrived at an extremely positive verdict. Therefore, as per the new rhetoric, Justice Delayed but not denied…
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Neelam Katara, wiping her tears as the verdict was served, remarked, “"He would be happy wherever he is." The relief and satisfaction were visible on the brave face.
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Nitin Katara, Nitish's younger brother summed it up well when media persons congratulating him on the verdict day stormed him. He said, ""I believe he (Nitish) died for love. He died for freedom of expression, he died for that school of thought...in our generation that we are allowed to make a choice and stand by it and that belief has been vindicated today by this decision."
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"My mother is my God," he added.
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"My mother is my God," he added.
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I later met Nitin and his mother while leaving the court complex. They gave me a warm hug, as if I am their own family, and I in turn was all excited to share this moment of long dreamt happiness.
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I, like always, applauded them for their indomitable zeal and conviction, which has made this, dream a reality. "The fight is on…" they concluded; as they left the Patiala Court premises today.
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And, the fight is on indeed…Satyamev Jayete!
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I, like always, applauded them for their indomitable zeal and conviction, which has made this, dream a reality. "The fight is on…" they concluded; as they left the Patiala Court premises today.
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And, the fight is on indeed…Satyamev Jayete!
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