Rajiv Gandhi Assassination – Kin of Victims and Survivors Speak Out following Priyanka’s Visit to meet Nalini (From Sunday Times, dated 20.04.08).
Pradeep V. Philip, is currently Inspector General – Social Justice and Human Rights. He was standing just 3 feet away protecting Rajiv Gandhi. He lives with more than 100 pellets in his body and one eardrum ruptured during the blast.
Mohammed Iqbal, Superintendant of Police, lost his life and was the last to prevent the human bomb from getting close to Rajiv Gandhi. But his efforts were in vain as Rajiv over ruled him. The officer was blown to pieces waist down. His widow Naseem Banu says, “I will never ever pardon those who killed my husband. I suffered so much after my husband’s death”. Their son Javed dropped out of college, probably due to the traumatic experience.
Mohan son of Munusamy (the lone congressman to be killed along with Rajiv) says “My father died next to Rajiv Gandhi, as if he was a member of their family. Priyanka came all the way to meet Nalini. It would have been nice if she had met and enquired about us”.
Parthasarathy was 47, when he was injured in the blast. His doctors told that his left leg was beyond repair and had to be amputated. But he did not agree to that, with the result that his both kidneys failed. He now lives with a kidney donated by his son, heart ailment and also with more than 70 pellets in his legs. He had his entire medical treatment with money spent from his pocket. He was witness number 24 and spent his own money to travel and give evidence in court. He asks “Why ask Nalini what happened, ask us. We all shed for Rajiv Gandhi. We all saw what happened”.
But what all these people don’t understand is that Priyanka has a ujala white clad brother waiting to become the Prime Minister and that she has her own compulsions and urgency to meet Nalini. Everybody talks only about Rajiv’s assassination. The fifteen others who died and the numerous injured are just sheep and cattle.

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