Pranay Needs Justice, Not Me: Amrutha

Swapna Ashok

"I am not the one who needs to get justice, it is Pranay who should get justice" , says an emotional Amrutha Varshini who proudly displays her name as Amrutha Pranay on her FB account. Just 4 days after the ghastly, cold- blooded murder of her husband Pranay, which has shocked netizens across regions, not to speak of society at large, one would expect a victimised voice pleading for help. But here is Amrutha for you- bold, strong, composed and driven by exceptional clarity on her way forward.

Until a few days ago her social media posts reflected marital bliss and the joy of being pregnant. It was one fatal Friday afternoon, which turned her world upside down. In an unimaginable turn of events, Pranay was struck by an unidentified assailant, reportedly hired by Maruthi Rao- Amrutha's monster-father.

Amrutha cried her heart out at how much Pranay meant to her! " We thought we could live happily, she said in disbelief soon after the gruesome murder. The funeral procession was filled with emotion amidst shock. How could anyone think that a father could hire a contract killer with a national crime history to actually murder his own daughter's husband- A 24 year old young boy full of promise, soon to be the father of his grandchild?

Political leaders like Jana Reddy among others have met her to gain a deeper understanding of the matter. Caretaker IT Minister KTR promised her justice.

Facebook users have started sending her requests and support to join her cause against caste-based fundamentalism.

Was this really triggered by caste differences alone ? Or was it a personality clash between a noveau businessman with an overweening ego and his young daughter?

"This happened only because Pranay belongs to another caste ", Amrutha explains. While a majority express their anguish in support of Amrutha, it is quite shocking to see how a small section are also representing the father's so-called point of view pointing to the "defiant" attitude of of his daughter . A few others are seemingly justifying the entire episode as expected since community and caste they claim, play a major role in that part of the state.

Some have openly posted their comments on Amrutha's FB post announcing the website "Justice for Pranay". This is a clear reflection of the underlying evils that society need to address today.

What is appalling is the fact that neither the mother nor Amrutha's relatives came to her offer their condolences or support in her time of despair. While Amrutha's in-laws are with her despite their own severe loss- she now asks for justice which she fears delay in the trial process due to political influence and intervention.

These are a few questions that this brave girl answered exclusively for Sakshi media:

1. How are you doing Amrutha?

I am coping with things and have support pouring in from all corners. I would like everyone to know that we are starting a movement against casteism. The Facebook page will be announced soon and and I will stay connected through this platform.

2. How do you feel about your father who has done something as horrific as this?

I do not want to see his face! All the perpetrators should be punished immediately and in the sternest possible manner to drive home this point across society. I hope that justice is not delayed like other cases- to years of trial.

3. Do you miss your mother?

No. I only miss Pranay. Nobody else.

4. Amidst all this crisis how do you have the courage to take on a huge cause like fighting caste fanatics?

Pranay always stood up bravely. He used to tell me that despite the threats he felt in the last few years he wanted to be with me, however long it was for! Besides, what is the point being depressed when I am pregnant? I want to fight this and have Pranay's baby. The baby will be my strength and will serve as Pranay's memory.

5. What is your future course of action?

I have asked for a statue of Pranay to be installed here. Once our social media platform is set up I will stay connected with supporters.

I plan to stay with my in-laws and spend my life with Pranay's baby.

6. Do you or your in-laws fear any attacks?

I cannot say. Their people outside may do anything. Or if my father is granted bail anything may happen .

One still cannot comprehend whose honour Maruthi Rao was protecting. Was he trying to make her helpess by depriving her of her life support so that she would left with no option but to return to her parents? Was it a mere vengeful act simply because Amrutha and Pranay defied him and continued with their plans of having a child despite his repeated warnings to her to wait for a few years before starting a family?

Whatever the reasons, the incident has shaken the society to a point where cold-blooded murder in the guise of honour-killing has yet again reflected the darkness in our society.

It will be our biggest failure if timely justice is not brought to Amrutha.

( As told to Swapna Ashok, Executive Editor, Sakshi tv)

Also Read: Nalgonda Honour Killing: Manda Krishna Madiga Claims Maruthi Rao Backed By TRS, Congress