NAGPUR: It was a moment of solidarity that brought together students of different colleges of the city on Saturday at a candle-light vigil seeking justice for Monica Kirnapure who was brutally killed by four unidentified attackers on Friday. Anger, frustration and disappointment reflected on the faces of around more than 350 students gathered near Mahatma Gandhi statue at Variety square in Sitabuldi. With the students displaying placards of 'Justice for Monica', 'Staying quiet can help killer', they aimed to jolt residents who witnessed the murder but did nothing to help Monica.
"She was neither our relative nor our friend. But still, for humanity, we want the culprits to be punished and that is our only aim. We want justice for Monica," said a student. The youngsters were highly disappointed by the apathy shown by residents who allegedly failed to provide a few sips of water to Monica while she was struggling for life.
Describing the residents as 'heartless', one of the girls said,
"At least a lifeless body is much better than those human beings present at the spot. The people who mutely witnessed the incident, their soul is dead and only the body is alive."
Though the candle-light vigil seemed dramatic, even filmy, it was a spontaneous gathering by Monica's friends. The thought of peaceful demonstrations first struck Monica's hostel mates who later approached to other students of KDK College and Shrimati Rajshri Mulak College of Engineering.
On the basis of text messages and, of course, Facebook, more than 350 students from different colleges decided to participate in the candlelight vigil.
The vigil also highlighted concerns of other young girls like Monica. A poster read: 'Hamari suraksha kaun karega. (Who will protect us?)' Passersby also joined the students.
Amar Sawant was going to a hospital when he was asked to join the demonstrations. "It's good to see youngsters speaking up. I think not only students but guardians should also come forward," he said.
Though the cops had assured that the attackers would be nabbed by Monday, they haven't been able to crack the case or even establish identities of the assailants. So far, more than 15 persons have been questioned, said a cop from Nandanwan police station.
"She was neither our relative nor our friend. But still, for humanity, we want the culprits to be punished and that is our only aim. We want justice for Monica," said a student. The youngsters were highly disappointed by the apathy shown by residents who allegedly failed to provide a few sips of water to Monica while she was struggling for life.
Describing the residents as 'heartless', one of the girls said,
"At least a lifeless body is much better than those human beings present at the spot. The people who mutely witnessed the incident, their soul is dead and only the body is alive."
Though the candle-light vigil seemed dramatic, even filmy, it was a spontaneous gathering by Monica's friends. The thought of peaceful demonstrations first struck Monica's hostel mates who later approached to other students of KDK College and Shrimati Rajshri Mulak College of Engineering.
On the basis of text messages and, of course, Facebook, more than 350 students from different colleges decided to participate in the candlelight vigil.
The vigil also highlighted concerns of other young girls like Monica. A poster read: 'Hamari suraksha kaun karega. (Who will protect us?)' Passersby also joined the students.
Amar Sawant was going to a hospital when he was asked to join the demonstrations. "It's good to see youngsters speaking up. I think not only students but guardians should also come forward," he said.
Though the cops had assured that the attackers would be nabbed by Monday, they haven't been able to crack the case or even establish identities of the assailants. So far, more than 15 persons have been questioned, said a cop from Nandanwan police station.
