Crusade against 'injustice came to logical end'

New Delhi: The death sentence for Santosh Kumar Singh was met with satisfaction by society that had fought a dogged battle for justice.

Reacting to the judgment, Priyadarshini's childhood friend Indu Jalali said, "I had set out for justice for my dear friend. My crusade against injustice has finally come to its logical end. We are happy but at the same time feeling sad that Priya is not with us today. Everyone around has been chanting Priyadarshini's name, but one sincerely wishes it were credited to her for achieving laurels in some field while being alive."

Pointing out that the post-incident conduct of the accused ruled out any remorse, High Court lawyer Archana Singh said, "the entire incident was so gruesome that even after a decade one is not able to erase it from memory.

Ruthless

"Imagine a human being could be so ruthless as to first rape, then strangle the person with an electric wire and finally batter her face beyond recognition with a helmet. Such people should be hanged publicly so that no one dares to do repeat such an act. We thank the judges for protecting the rights of the common man. But one hopes the hanging is not delayed in legal procedures."

Beautician Suparna Trikha said: "Justice should have been done long time back. Priyardarshini's family had to go through so much pain and anguish. It's time the nation stood up for such causes so that the crime rate falls and no one dares to ill treat any woman."

"The court's judgment has come as a new lease of life for several other such cases. It is unfortunate that one is happy at such a judgment where someone's life and that of several others related to him are at stake," said a doctor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

Fear psychosis

He said: "It is important to create a fear psychosis in people. Youngsters treat others lives so casually not caring about the law and as a result crime rate is shooting.

"Priyardarshini's parents won't get their child back, but I am sure they must be relieved that finally justice has been met."