To honor Kathua rape victim, Kerala man names daughter Asifa
Rajith Ram, a resident of Kannur and sub-editor with Mathrubhumi, named his newly born daughter Asifa Raj, in a bid to remember the Kathua rape victim. Ram's post on Facebook announcing the same got over 17,000 shares in 16 hours. Facebook users hailed him for coming up with a great way to remember the innocent child who was brutally murdered after rape.
Rajith Ram told Mathrubhumi his wife agreed to the decision when he shared his thoughts. He added, "The daughter who was murdered in Kathua was 8 years old and my eldest daughter is 7 years old. What I have done is one which could be emulated by anyone with a human touch. I have decided to do this irrespective of religion or caste."
The eight-year-old victim of the Bakarwal community had gone to graze her horses and never returned. Days later her mutilated body was discovered. The charge sheet filed by J&K police revealed the victim was sedated, raped multiple times, before being murdered. All this happened in a prayer hall. The masterminds accused Sanji Ram allegedly planned it to drive the tribals out of the area.
As more details about the case came to light, the demand for severe punishment for the guilty gained momentum across the nation. People took to streets with vigils and candlelight marches to demand justice for the victim and family. Amid the anger, Rajith Ram's noble gesture brought a ray of hope that humanity is still not dead.
Rajith Ram's post with the picture of his daughter read, " Named my baby. Yes, you read it right. Asifa K Raj. She's my daughter." One Facebook user commented, "A big salute sir", while another wrote, "No words bro a real Malayali."
