Says daughter of convicted cop Manohar Kadam, who was awarded a life sentence in the 1997 Ramabai Nagar firing case
Says daughter of convicted cop Manohar Kadam, who was awarded a life sentence in the 1997 Ramabai Nagar firing case
"We have suffered enough for the past 12 years. Who will account for those days of agony? We know our father did no wrong," cried Jai Kadam, daughter of State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) Sub-inspector Manohar Kadam, speaking to MiD DAY from their Ramtekdi residence in Pune.
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The sessions court awarded a life sentence to Kadam in the 1997 Ramabai firing case. The court observed that the accused had "knowledge of the consequences" of opening fire at a mob that had resulted in the death of 10 people.
Jai, a final year BCom student, was glued to the TV screen all morning yesterday, scanning for news of the verdict. A little past noon, as the channels flashed the news of his conviction, the family broke down. Hundreds of SRPF staffers and locals visited the house in solidarity.
She added that she has never seen her father in a cheerful mood ever since the incident. He was always under pressure and his suffering and pain were visible. After the incident, he was initially suspended and then an inquiry was initiated. Later, he was arrested, and released on bail, and now convicted.
"I always advised him to resign from service, but he would not listen," Jai added.u00a0
"The last few months were a real nightmare. My father would hardly sleep at night. He was worried about our future, education, marriage, and tried to do all that he could to secure it. Our only brother is too small to understand and support the family," said Jai, who plans to visit Mumbai to meet her father.
400
No of pages in the chargesheet filed in December 2001
Kadam hospitalised
A police team escorting Kadam to Arthur Road jail had to rush him to KEM Hospital, Parel, after he complained of chest pain. A senior police officer confirmed the report stating that the doctors admitted Kadam and have kept him under observation. After discharge, Kadam may be taken to Arthur Road jail, and from there he will be shifted to the Nashik central prison, to serve his life sentence.
Swati Sathe, Arthur Road jail superintendent, said, "He will be lodged in the high security cell and will have to follow the jail rules for convicts and will have to work until he stays in the prison."
12 years on...
The cause
Residents of Ramabai Nagar go on a rampage on July 11, 1997, after a statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar is desecrated with a garland of shoes.
The effect
SRPF officer Manohar Kadam orders the team of about seven officers to open fire at the mob without warning the rioters. The firing continues for about 10 minutes, killing 10 people and injuring 25.
The verdict
A sessions court yesterday awards life sentence to Kadam, who has been convicted of culpable homicide amounting to murder. A fine of Rs 1,000 has also been imposed on him.
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