What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
UDAIPUR: As The New Indian team travels to Rajasthan to understand the election sentiment, they encounter Udaipur, mourning Kanhaiya Lal Teli’s daylight murder in June 2022. Two years after his father’s barbaric killing, Yash Teli, wearing a cap that hides a mop of unshorn hair, looks unforgiving with his visible pair of bare feet even as he remains calm, and pins hope for speedy justice.
At just 23, his resolve is telling on the voting day in Rajasthan that sees the election to 28 Lok Sabha seats in a photo finish. After all, his father, a routine tailor, was killed by a cleaver used by remorseless Muslim youth — Mohd Gaus & Mohd Riaz — triggering uproar in the desert state.
The New Indian Executive Editor Rohan Dua meets the grieving family, who cast votes, hoping the new government will deliver justice. “I still go to the office bare feet as a silent protest and a constant reminder of the justice that my father is yet to receive. It’s my way of keeping his memory alive and standing up against the violence that took him away from us”, Kanhaiyalal elder son Yash told The New Indian.
Udaipur’s electoral battle featured Congress’ Tara Chand Meena against BJP’s Mannalal Rawat. Despite Kanhaiya Lal’s demise, his family voted again, seeking justice. Yash, his elder son, vows not to rest until the perpetrators face justice.
Recalling the tragic event and CCTV footage, the family’s anguish mixes with determination. Their faith wavers since the murder, affecting their temple visits.
When asked about his religious beliefs, Yash said, “We go to the temple, but not as much as when my father was alive. My belief has gone down since he was murdered on a Tuesday, the day he was fasting.”
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Expressing frustration, Kanhaiya’s wife desires justice over political interactions. The culprits, Ghaus Mohammad and Riyas Attari, confessed on video and were arrested, yet fear lingers.
Despite the arrests and the filing of a charge sheet by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in December 2022, Kanhaiya Lal’s family continues to live in fear. Their once-peaceful existence has been replaced by constant surveillance by the police and CCTV cameras installed in their house while living with the memories of their loss.
In their sorrow, the family implores the forthcoming government to expedite justice. Yash longs for closure, yearning for his father’s peace. As the Lok Sabha elections approach, the family’s focus remains on securing justice for Kanhaiya. Their plea echoes: the new government must ensure justice for our father.
On being asked whom they would prefer to meet out of Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, even Rahul Gandhi, or Gehlot, the wife of Kanhaiya Kumar replied, ” I discussed the same thing with media, even PM Modi who came last month, I also met CM and asked them when will I get the justice?”
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She further added, “I want my family away from politics and just hope that the case is resolved soon and the criminals are punished.”
Yash questions why their family faced such a tragedy, despite widespread sharing of the controversial post, “When I see someone like Mohammad Juber repeatedly raising issues and still fueling fights between Hindus and Muslims within India, it makes me angry. Why did this happen with us, with my father?”
Amidst their grief, the family expressed their desire for justice to be served swiftly. “My father’s soul will only find peace when those criminals are punished,” said Yash, missing the presence of his father.
With the Lok Sabha elections looming, the family is focused on the future government’s role in ensuring justice for Kanhaiya Lal. “We just want the new government to help us get justice,” said Kanhaiya Lal’s wife.
