Valerian Santos, Keenens father, expressed relief and joy upon the judgment.
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Almost five years after two Mumbai youths, Keenan Santos and Reuben Fernandez were killed for standing up against men who were harassing their female friends, justice has been served. Keenan succumbed to his injuries a few hours later in early hours of October 21, while Reuben died 12 days later while under treatment. “It is not a case that fits into the rarest of rare category, but the accused should be sentenced to life imprisonment”. There are some who had been following the case religiously, but refrained from speaking about it for fear of infuriating the two local groups involved.
Keenan’s family had organised a prayer meet at its home after the verdict, and Valerian appeared composed as he was approached by the mediapersons through the day. Nikam also mentioned that the prosecution wanted the lifetime prison sentence for the convicts and the court accepted and upheld their case.
But some of his frustration seeped through as he said: “It takes almost five years to get justice for a boy who has done something good in society; we have to beg for justice”.
In October 2012, the court framed charges, including murder, conspiracy and molestation, against the accused. I never smoke nor do I drink and I can not afford to go to that restaurant so there was no reason for me to go to that place.
“I am happy that the court has granted life imprisonment to them”. No one came out from the crowd to save them.
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The kin of Keenan and Reuben were seated on the front rows of the courtroom on Thursday. He said the battle is not yet over, adding he is ready to fight it until final justice is done.
