Family grapples with Afreen's death

Dont want to act in haste over divorce, say family members

Afreen’s family have found little time and space to mourn death of the little one with the media coverage continuing unabated.

Since 10 in the morning, the family, especially Afreen’s mother Reshma Banu, has been speaking to the media without a minute to spare. A tired K A Kareem, Afreen’s grandfather, however, says they cannot complain.

“We cannot ignore the media. You (media) have been a vital part of seeking justice. As of now, we are trying to find some space for ourselves to come to terms with her death,” Kareem said.
When asked if the family is persuading Reshma to divorce her husband, Kareem said they do not want to take any hasty decision.

“Our main concern is to ensure that Reshma’s wounds heal. It’s an ordeal and only time will tell us when she will be ready to move past the death of her daughter,” he said. Reshma’s neighbours on Modi Main Road have turned hosts to the steady stream of mediapersons.

“There has been a constant flow of people from the media even on Thursday. It started since 10 am in the morning,” said one neighbour. Meanwhile, the police are yet to trace Reshma’s in-laws who are the co-accused in the death of Afreen.

Helpline for women

Three State commissions –– the Child Rights Commission, the Minorities Commission and the Women’s Commission –– are planning to set up a helpline for women in distress in an attempt to prevent such incidents.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Chairman of the State Minorities Commission, Anwar Manippady said camps would be conducted in the DJ Halli area to help women obtain some training to be self-reliant. Arrangements are also being made to house Reshma in a hostel, if the need arises.

The three commissions are expected to work towards drafting an action plan on Monday.

As a first step, a summer camp will be held in DJ Halli area for the families, which will include counselling, vocational and empowerment programmes.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Women’s Commission, Manjula C, also met Reshma and her family on Thursday. Manjula said she would be talking to Reshma and the police to chart a course of action in regard to the two cases –– domestic violence and murder –– filed against the husband, Umar Farooq.

Manjula said she would be writing to the Department of Women and Child Development and Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation to see if Reshma could get a job in line with her educational qualifications.

However, Secretary, DWCD, Ramesh Zalki said no such provision existed for providing a job in the department, but they would help in getting her a job elsewhere.

HC expresses concern

While hearing a public interest litigation on the malnutrition deaths in the State, a Division Bench of the High Court also took cognisance of the death of baby Afreen, a victim of child abuse.
“We have treasured children in our society. This sadly seems to be changing,” observed Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen.

He added that women like Reshma Banu need rehabilitation and if they stand on their feet, atrocities will minimise.