Kidnap victims' family live in fear

MUMBAI: Some kidnap victims' families live in fear, worried about the consequences if the accused get released from jail.
Dharavi's Rajesh and Vidya Bhandge, whose 12-year-old son Shree was kidnapped and murdered on May 27, said, "The five accused should not be spared. The legal system should not turn a blind eye and release such criminals. Today they have killed Shree, tomorrow after release, they will target more people without fear." Shree's cousin Santosh Bhosale said, "The legal system should wake up and convict them so that no more lives are ruined."
Dombivli jeweller Kiran Soni, who lost his elder son Tushar (13) two years ago, is worried about his second son.Whenever he talks to strangers, they immediately check their credentials and tell him to never meet them again. "I am unhappy with the judiciary. More than two years have passed since my son was killed, and the trial has not yet begun. What if the accused and his accomplices get acquitted?" said Soni.
In Bhandup, the police arrested a 30-year-old woman 48 hours after she kidnapped her neighbour's two-and-a-half-year-old son on April 1. Fatima Khan kidnapped Abdul Khan to make him beg at railway stations and earn through him. The accused was caught from Bhandup railway station recently. Abdul's father Niyaz Khan (28) said her house was found locked after the incident and she had been seen playing with Abdul minutes before his kidnapping.
Cops said Fatima's role was confirmed when she did not return for two days. "We fear for our child's safety. If the accused is freed, she can commit a similar offence," said Khan.
Family members of a 14-year-old boy from Kalyan are living in fear and face harassment from thieves. The thieves had kidnapped the boy as he had tipped off the police and got them arrested. The kidnappers wanted the case to be withdrawn, but the victim escaped. After release on bail, the kidnappers are harassing the family. Last month, Shamim Bano Shaikh and his son were targeted by the kidnappers, but the police filed a cross complaint against Shamim Bano and his minor son, and booked him for robbery. Now, Shamim and his son are trying to get bail. Daughter Najneen said, "We are helpless. The police are helping the accused, Barkhat Ali, who has many cases against him."