Commuters, Station staff welcome verdict

KOCHI: Most of the staff and passengers at the railway station welcomed the verdict in the Soumya murder case. “The culprit has been awarded the highest possible punishment for the heinous crime.  Now our faith in the law has been bolstered. Women can survive only if they become bolder and assertive,” Reshmi, who works in a consultancy firm, said.A faculty at Marine College of Engineering, Thykoodam, Sreelatha said: “People used to pity the handicapped, but this man’s brutal action has made us look at them with fear and abomination.” Her companion, a  lady in her late fifties, said: “He deserved what he got! When my daughter travels by train, I heave a  sigh of relief only after she gets home safely.”An engine driver said: “We drive at speeds of around 100 km/hr and are unaware of what takes place in the compartments behind. But it affects us when mishaps happen. The driver in the train that day was a colleague and friend, and we can identify with his turmoil. Though a disabled, the culprit has powerful links and has evaded the law on a number of occasions. Many such miscreants are seen loitering on the train when it reaches remote areas between Aluva and Thrissur.”Even young men were highly evocative in their opinion. Sabik, a beautician, said: “It will serve as a lesson to all. Women will feel safer.” His friend, Jamsheer, who runs a men’s wear shop said: “Both big and small crimes and anti-social activities like pick-pocketing and chain snatching occurs on trains. The verdict will be a warning.”Mahroof, a store manager, said: “There are many who appear well mannered but indulge in evil activities. Though we react, the public does not see through it and often support our stand.”Railway employee Surendran said that public apathy leads to such mishaps. Fearing delay in reaching their destination, they hesitate to pull the chain to stop the train. A policeman manning the railway stations said: “All of us hope that such cases will be dealt with strongly. The shocking matter is that many high-placed people, including doctors, testified for the criminal. Such people should be stoned to death!” Another officer added that the public should support the police in their investigations. He said that the court should make better provisions for witnesses. “The capital punishment awarded to the criminal makes us feel that our efforts have borne fruit,” he said.