Justice to Priyadarshini Mattoo
October 30, 2006 15:14 ISTLast Updated: October 30, 2006 23:27 ISTRediff NewsThe Delhi high court on Monday awarded the death sentence to advocate Santosh Kumar Singh, convicted for commiting the rape and murder of Priyadarshini Mattoo, a Delhi University law student, eleven years ago.Pronouncing the judgment in a jam-packed court room, Justices R S Sodhi and P K Bhasin ordered that "he (Singh) shall be hanged till death."The court said he deserved nothing other than capital punishment.Singh was arrested in 1996 and tried, but the trial court headed by G P Thareja gave him the benefit of doubt and acquitted him of the charges."He does not deserve to be pardoned. This is rarest of the rare cases," Justice R S Sodhi and Justice P K Bhasin said in their judgment.The Delhi police had brought Singh to the court under heavy security and waited outside while the defence counsel and Central Bureau of Investigation advocates argued over the quantum of punishment.Singh's face fell when he was told that the court had given him the death sentence. He is likely to challenge the judgment in the Supreme court.Dressed in grey trousers and white shirt, Singh, a practising lawyer who is married and has a child, was crestfallen when the court handed down the verdict.Singh became emotional when his father came out of the court room and met him."There is absolutely no doubt in our mind that what was required of Singh was exemplary behaviour being a son of police officer and a lawyer himself. Yet with a pre-meditated approach, he continued to harass the victim for two years," the Bench said."Inspite of repeated warnings by the police and his undertakings to them, he went about commiting the most ghastly act. The act itself sent ripples in society and showed how insecure a citizen can get against this kind of a person," the Bench remarked.The entire proceedings were witnessed by some friends and family members of both the victim and the convict.Justice Sodhi's wife and his daughter were also among those witnessing the proceedings.Singh was acquitted by the Sessions Court in 1999, a judgment that was described as "perverse" by the high court.The Sessions Judge G P Thareja had held that though he knew that Singh had committed the murder, he was acquitting him because of lack of evidence.The order by the high court division bench on Monday came after three-hour long arguments by the defence and prosecution over the quantum of sentence."We are of the opinion that a case of this kind in which the crime is committed in a pre-meditated way and grotesque manner, the convict deserves nothing other than death penalty," the bench observed.The Delhi high court had convicted him on October 17.Singh had been stalking Priyadarshini Mattoo for nearly two years following which she had lodged a complaint at two different police stations.The Bench, after hearing the arguments by the counsels of both the parties on the quantum of sentence, observed that evaluating the circumstances in favour and against the convict, 'the aggravating circumstances far outweigh the mitigating circumstances'.Appearing for CBI, Additional Solicitor General Amrendra Sharan pressed for death sentence as the case falls under the category of 'rarest of rare cases' and said Singh raped and murdered a defenceless victim.He pointed out that Singh had stalked the victim for two years making her and her family life miserable.Sharan said the abhorrent mannner in which the murder was committed is the aggravating circumstance.Singh deserved no clemency for he had committed a pre-meditated and cold-blooded murder evident from the fact that on the fateful day he had stalked the girl for the whole day and waited outside her house for the moment when she was alone to commit the offence.Citing Apex Court Judgment in the Dhananjoy Chatterjee case, he argued the convict committed the diabolique, grotesque and gruesome offence to satisfy his brutal lust and he is a danger to the society.He ruled out any possibility of his being reformed.Sharan said the convict was a soldier of justice and greater responsibilty and respect for law of the land was expected of him.He did not reform himself despite several opportunities and warnings given to him. He had not even kept the assurances given by him to the police that he would not repeat the mischievious acts, said Sharan.B L Wali, advocate for Chaman Lal Mattoo, Priyadarshini's father, said that his client was more than happy with the death sentence."We had to slog hard for the case. When we entered the court room in the morning to argue for quantum of sentence, we were not sure what would impress the court. We are glad that the court gave him a death sentence," he said in a conversation with rediff.com on Monday evening.Friend Aditya Raj Kaul, who started a petition on the internet to gather support for the case in March this year, was delighted at the judgement."It took ten years to get justice. It is thanks to the media that we were able to gather support and thousands of people wrote back and said that we should join a campaign. That is how the campaign, Justice for Priyadarshani, started on her birthday on June 23. The rest is history - a landmark judgement in 50 days," he said.Chronology of Events:January 23, 1996: Priyadarshini Mattoo raped and killed allegedly by Santosh Kumar Singh. Delhi police registers FIR.January 25, 1996: Case handed over to the CBI. Agency registers case.April 11, 1996: CBI files chargesheet in the case against Singh.August 29, 1996: Charges framed.August 11, 1997: Trial starts.December 3, 1999: ASJ G P Thareja acquits Singh; lashes CBI for shoddy investigations.February 29, 2000: CBI appeals in Delhi high court.April 26, 2000: High court admits appeal.October 17, 2000: High court issues bailable warrant against Singh.July 22, 2006: CBI files application for early hearing.August 31, 2006: High court orders daily hearings in the case.Oct 17, 2006: High court convicts Santosh Singh for raping and killing Mattoo.Oct 30, 2006: High court gives death sentence to Singh.With PTI Inputs
HC to decide on sentence - The Final Judgement Day...This is to inform all that after the judgement convicting Santosh Kumar Singh of rape and murder of Priyadarshini Mattoo on 17th October, the final arguments and judgement announcing punishment will take place today in the afternoon at the Delhi High Court. Justice Sondhi in his Judgement had said that either Santosh will be given life imprisonment or death sentence.Lets hope that strongest and the harshest punishment is given to this criminal.Members of Justice For Priyadarshini, Bollywood personalities and senior journalists and lawyers are expected to attend this historic final judgement.
Justice For PriyadarshiniMattoo case: HC to decide on sentenceBureau ReportNew Delhi, Oct 29: Twelve days after convicting Santosh Kumar Singh for raping and murdering Priyadarshini Mattoo on January 23, 1996, the Delhi High Court will tomorrow hear arguments on the quantum of his sentence.Holding Santosh guilty of the offence on October 17, a division bench of Justices R S Sodhi and P K Bhasin fixed October 30 for hearing arguments from both sides on the quantum of sentence.Following a submission made by the CBI for stringent punishment for Santosh, the bench hinted that it would award him either capital punishment or life imprisonment for commiting the grisly murder nearly 11 years ago.Setting aside a lower court's order acquitting santosh, the bench said, "The trial court, however, quite amazingly after holding almost all crucial circumstances in favour of the prosecution, has ordered unmerited acquittal of the respondent (Santosh) by taking a perverse approach in the matter."Despite being convinced that there was no doubt in the prosecution case (at least for murder), the trial court has mauled justice, its decision has shocked the judicial conscience of this court," the bench observed.Rejecting the submission made by Santosh's counsel that the blood sample of the accused, taken for a DNA test, was tampered with by the CBI, the bench said, "We find no evidence to show that there was any tampering with the blood sample sent to the laboratory for the test. There is nothing on record to show that the seals on the sample were ever tampered with." The circumstantial evidence in the case is absolutely inconsistent and incompatible with the innocence of the respondent (Singh)," the bench remarked."From an overall analysis of the circumstances that had been discussed, we are of the view that those circumstances form a chain so complete which leads us to the only conclusion that it is Santosh Kumar Singh who had committed the rape of Mattoo and then murdered her," the bench said. (Agencies)
Hope ignites for Kataras
Neelam Katara, mother of Nitish Katara.
The reversal of the acquittal in the Priyadarshini Mattoo case is being seen as a precursor to the other two high-profile cases of miscarriage of justice: Jessica Lall and Nitish Katara.
Amid all the jubilation, the six-year delay in reversing the trial court's decision still rankled. Since the Nitish Katara case has been stalled at the trial stage because of Bharati Yadav's evasive tactics, his mother, Neelam Katara, struck a note of caution. "The end is good, but the wait had been too long. The delay needs to be looked into as it helps the accused and leads to difficulties for the victim's family." She said: "The victim family should be allowed to participate in the trial rather than being silent spectators. They should be allowed to speak up during the hearings if they want to make an important point."
Jessica’s sister witnesses conviction
Sabrina Lall, Jessica Lall's sister“We are hopeful now” said Sabrina Lall today as she witnessed the verdict being delivered in the Mattoo case. Fighting a similar battle seeking justice for her sister, Jessica Lall, she was experiencing it first hand literally.When the HC Justices RS Sodhi and PK Bhasin were reading out their judgment today, convicting Santosh Singh of raping and murdering 23-year-old Priyadarshini Mattoo, Lall’s was another family present in the courtroom.As the same two-member Bench is hearing the appeal in the Jessica Lall murder case, Sabrina and her friends were sitting in the courtroom along with accused in the case, Amardeep Singh Gill alias Tony and Alok Khanna. They keenly watched the proceedings before the bench took up their matter after the lunch break.Some of the people who regularly attend the hearings of the Jessica murder case on behalf of some of the accused, were seen following Singh while he was taken into CBI custodyCourtesy: The Hindu & Indian Express
posted by Aditya Raj Kaul @ 3:01 PM 0 comments
Mattoo case conviction a "victory of judicial system": Friends
In Picture,Shri Agnishekhar (Chairman, Panun Kashmir ) and Aditya Raj Kaul Initiator, Justice For Priyadarshini.New Delhi, Oct 17: Ten years after he raped and killed Priyadarshini Mattoo, the conviction of Santosh Kumar Singh, son of a former IPS officer, by the Delhi High Court on Tuesday was hailed as a "victory of the judicial system"."Today is the victory of Indian judicial system and victory of the entire media, and the entire nation who stood behind us in this fight against injustice," said Aditya Raj Kaul, Initiator, Justice 4 Priyadarshini campaign."We have have faith in judiciary and this faith has increased 100 per cent. We never expected such a great response from judiciary as well as from the CBI," he added."I am very happy. Santosh is found guilty on both the accounts-- rape and murder. I know the family very well. Priyadarshini belonged to a very respectable family and it has gone through a very bad phase in last ten years by not receiving justice. Finally, they have something to feel good about," said Agnisheker, a family friend and a supporter of the campaign.Bureau Report
posted by Aditya Raj Kaul @ 1:44 PM 4 comments
Priyadarshini's Father:'This is justice; my daughter will rest in peace'
Chaman Lal Mattoo, Priyadarshini's Father."Finally justice has been delivered," said an exuburent Chaman Lal Mattoo on Tuesday after he heard of the conviction of Santosh Singh for raping and killing his daughter Priyadarshani Mattoo 10 years ago."I can't express myself. I have no words to express how I feel," Mattoo, who is in Himachal Pradesh, said on phone."Justice has been done. Common people in the country can now breathe with ease. This is a step in the right direction," said Mattoo. He added, "My daughter cannot come back. But at least, her soul will be in peace today."Mattoo thanked CBI Director Vijay Shanker for taking personal interest in the case.Facing The Mattoo’sby Aditya Raj KaulThe next day i.e. 18th October 2006, early in the morning I decided to gather some strength and call up Mattoo uncle and aunty. It was hard to face them. But I decided to give them a ring. When I called the voice at the other end told me that uncle was downstairs and asked me to call back after 5 minutes. But soon after my mobile rang, it was Shri Chaman Lal Mattoo...As soon as I heard Mr. Mattoo's voice, my heart started pounding; it felt as if the world had shrunk on me and the time had stopped. Mr. Mattoo was deeply appreciative of the efforts of each and every individual, organization and, in particular, media. It was hard for both of us to weave our emotions into words. Mattoo uncle thanked me and told me to convey the same to our entire team. He said that he was very eager to talk to me after the verdict but failed establishing contact with me.There was a lady behind who was insisting on speaking with me. Uncle handed over the phone to her, she was Rageshwariji (Priyadarshini’s mother)...Very emotionally she thanked me like anything, more than that she blessed me and the whole group. I’m unable to translate her Kashmiri expressions... I was touched...I could feel it very much that she was no doubt in pain of losing her dear child, but at the same time there was some sort of satisfaction and relief to her.I could feel a bruised, yet relieved, heart pouring all the love and affection in the world on me. There's only so much a man can take. Tears flowing down and heart screaming I wanted to console her and convey her that it was their strong conviction that helped the case most but I couldn't utter a word....
posted by Aditya Raj Kaul @ 1:30 PM 0 comments
Brother Speaks up...
Heymant Mattoo,Priyadarshini's brother.“I have mixed feelings right now because we did not expect that the verdict would have a positive outcome based on the previous judgement that was passed by the trial court. It was 50-50, and we did not know where the dice would land. So we are very happy right now and elated,” said Heymant Mattoo on Tuesday (October 17).“There was a lot of pressure from the media and a lot of pressure from the people who rallied for “Justice for Priyadarshini”. These are the people who worked very hard, who gave support to my father who was fighting alone for the last 8 to 9 years. So the courts had to put it on a fast track and deliver justice in good time,” said Heymant.Finally, when asked about the quantum of punishmen that he thought Santosh Singh deserved, Heymant Mattoo said: “Looking at the intensity of the crime, and what he has done to a young and budding girl, I think he should get the maximum sentence that the courts deem fit for this kind of crime.”Courtesy: Times Now
posted by Aditya Raj Kaul @ 1:08 PM 0 comments
10 Long Years: Justice finally delivered...
Lawyer & Friends of Santosh Singh attacking Media outside CourtConvict: Santosh Kumar Singh
posted by Aditya Raj Kaul @ 12:45 PM 3 comments
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
“Justice For Priyadarshini”… My experiences with the fight against injustice!
"Priyadarshini Mattoo" was the name that used to haunt me every now and then a few years back. I had heard and read a lot about this case, but never did I actually bother to see what had happened in the case and its current position. The picture in my mind was hazy.It was in February this year that Jessica Lall case was in the headlines, because of the acquittal of all the accused in the case. This verdict gave me a tremendous shock. I could never believe my eyes watching the criminals going scot free just because of the lack in investigation. That was the time when I realized that now is the time for the country’s youth to take charge. I used the best weapon at my end; which was writing. I wrote to editors of various newspapers, followed by discussions on this case in various youth forums and groups. I could not believe that a public outcry in this case immediately helped as the Delhi High Court took a sue motto notice. It had given me a hope, that we are united against injustice.During this time, another case, which I had earlier as well read about, caught my attention. It was the Priyadarshini Mattoo Case. Media was trying its best to highlight it as far as it could, but nothing really was coming out. My 12th board examinations were on but my mind was as well following this case.Priyadrshini Mattoo Case: A brief HistoryPriyadarshini was brutally raped and murdered on 23rd January 1996 in broad daylight in a posh South Delhi locality by his senior at the Law Faculty, Delhi University, Santosh Kumar Singh. The accused was son of a senior IPS officer.In the verdict given by Additional Sessions Judge on 3rd December 1999, Justice G.P. Thareja said, “ Though I know he is the man who committed the crime, I acquit him giving him the benefit of doubt.”The judge also went on record saying, “ The CBI in the matter of DNA evidence has not acted fairly. It tampered with the evidence of clothes of the deceased and also the blood sample of the accused. It even fabricated the documentary evidence and also the Malkhana Register of the CBI as is clear from the discrepancies.”The CBI filed its appeal challenging the courts verdict in the Delhi High Court in 2000, since then 7 years have passed without a single hearing of the case. It was a shame for the Indian Judiciary.Online Campaign Begins
On March 22nd this year when I read an article of Mr. C.L. Mattoo, Priyadarshini’s father, in a national daily, it sent shivers down my spine. My heart cried at the agony of the father, a father who had been fighting; for more than 10 years to get justice. I was determined to do something, which could still give some courage to him to fight this battle. Finally, on that very day I decided to start an online signature campaign, which had a petition addressed to the Honourable President of India and Chief Justice of India asking for retrial and reinvestigation in this case.I had found a new modern way for people to speak against injustice and discrimination. I was thrilled to get an overwhelming response from people across the world; thousands of signatures were collected, my inbox was filled with mails and at every nook and corner people were discussing about this very case. It was towards the end of my board examination in March when NDTV contacted me for a story on my petition. The story was telecasted the next day. Later that day, NDTV asked me to come for a very special live panel discussion. I was asked for my opinion and what motivated me to start this campaign. I clearly remember the last question by the anchor Nidhi Razdan: Are u hopeful that justice will be done in the Mattoo Case? After a brief gap…. I replied “No, not at this moment”Later, another channel CNN-IBN covered a story on my petition, and I was again invited for the evening live panel discussion with Rajdeep Sardesai on the ‘Face The Nation’. It was a bit similar experience.Our Team : “Justice For Priyadarshini”Even though the case was on and off the media's attention, not much was happening on the ground. But I decided to take this forward upon request from all my friends and others. Many youth contacted me from around the world, mostly from India. After brief research of two months in this case me and my friends decided to form a group of volunteers who were determined to work for the cause. This led to the formation of “Justice For Priyadarshini”, which soon became our campaign name.A friend from USA who was actively involved with me in this group introduced me to his sister a journalist working in Delhi with one of the top media houses who was interested to work for this cause. In our first meeting, we decided to meet Mr. C.L. Mattoo, Priyadarshini’s father.It was on May 4th that our small group comprising of me, that journalist friend and another of her friend, took the courage to meet Priyadarshini’s father. On the one hand my heart and mind was involved with the anti-reservation protests, but my soul was stuck with justice for Priyadarshini. This was the day when President of India invited me and my group for talks on reservations.It was hard for us to face a father who had completely lost the courage to move on. As we entered his room, he greeted us and directed us to make ourselves comfortable. After the introduction, he told me that there is a young boy who has just finished his 12th and had started a campaign for this case. He asked us to contact him. I was surprised as he was referring to me. The journalist friend sitting with me introduced me as that very boy who had started that petition. The moment he heard this he stood up and hugged me, he thanked me for unknowingly helping him. I could see drops of tears coming out his eyes. I could feel my heart crying, I was motion less. I did not know what to say. I replied that it was my duty to raise my voice being an Indian citizen. Though I wanted to say more, I stopped. At the end of the meeting he asked me to continue my efforts, I assured him that day, that I will do whatever I can in my capacity to get justice. The journalist girl with me was equally enthusiastic about this case. She decided to study the case in detail and then work on it technically. She was with me in this campaign at each and every step. I felt Mr. Mattoo was now somewhat hopeful of justice being done as the youth had taken charge.I believe this was the first day of our campaign and gradually more people started to volunteer for the cause. We decided to have a protest march on 23rd of July, which was Priyadarshini’s 34th birth anniversary.We started working hard towards our goal, organising door-to-door campaigns, meeting various groups and individuals for support became a regular affair. In a short span of time, more than 25 Delhi based civil society groups, NGO’s, women’s bodies, students groups etc. pledged their support for this cause. One of the first groups to lend a helping hand was Delhi University based students neutral group United Students, who had started the anti-reservation campaign in the country. They mobilized nearly each and every college in the campus area by distributing pamphlets, sticking posters, organising corner meetings etc. Even the faculty and students of the Law Faculty, Delhi University where Priyadarshini used to study, joined this movement. Many other organizations like Jagori, People’s Action and Human Rights Law Network just to name a few raised their voice for this cause.Just days before the protest Mr. C.L. Mattoo decided to visit Delhi to support the group and raise this issue on a larger scale in front of the media. We organized a joint press conference, which strongly demanded an “immediate reinvestigation and retrial within a stipulated timeframe”. This conference became the headlines next day. In the meantime many electronic, print and radio media organizations extended their support to the cause.The Protest that shook the Country
Finally, came the day that we were awaiting, it was 23rd July. The entire group was nervous, we had spent the previous night planning strategies, discussing various other things and completing last minute work for the protest. As we moved to the protest site, India Gate, a few hours before the protest, we got a message that our venue was shifted to Jantar Mantar due to some last minute security concerns. It was a very hard decision to change the venue; we hardly had any option, other then to follow the advice of the Police.We immediately decided to plant our volunteers on different corners of India Gate to direct people towards the changed venue. I had never expected this last minute change, this was a shock, but we had to tackle it and make our rally a great success.I checked the time in my wristwatch, it showed 4:30 pm, the scheduled time for our protest to start. I took a round of Jantar Mantar. I tried to figure the exact number of people present. The figure was shocking; there were hardly 25 people with 30 journalists standing and staring at this small crowd. I had anticipated a much larger figure. I was disheartened.After a few minutes, I jumped with excitement when I got a call from a volunteer standing at India Gate, he told me to be prepared, hundreds of people had already landed at India Gate and were now directed towards Jantar Mantar. My elation knew no bounds when I saw countless number of cars and other vehicles coming from the Janpath side road towards Jantar Mantar. I was re-energised.Media swung into action. The electronic media started their OB vans, with live coverage as the protest began. Photographers struggled to get space. Entire Jantar Mantar was full of people. Soon after, many personalities who had pledged their support for the cause landed at the venue, it included actors Anupam Kher, Roshan Seth and M.K. Raina, politician and activist Manika Gandhi and film director Ashok Pandit. Even Neelam Katara, mother of the murdered Nitish Katara, who has been also fighting for justice, joined us in the rally.The air reverberated with slogans like, “We Want Justice” and “Justice Delayed is Justice Denied”. The depth in that one united voice from the crowd touched my strings of my heart. It was totally different atmosphere, a new experience for me.CBI ActionThe very next day CBI filed an early hearing petition in the High Court due to immense public and media pressure. The High Court heard the case on August 30th and set it for regular hearing on daily basis.The case continued for a month, around 14 hearings and finally the judgement came on October 17th 2006.The Judgement Day: First Hand ExperienceThe entire country was eagerly awaiting the Judgement which was scheduled to come in the afternoon on 17th of October 2006. I was sitting in the Delhi High Court, praying in my heart. The criminal, Santosh Kumar Singh was sitting in the next row in front. The judges entered the court at about 2:15 pm, Justice Sondhi announced the verdict before the jampacked court in complete silence. The Judge said, “From an overall analysis of circumstances that have been discussed above and held to have been proved beyond any doubt by unimpeachable evidence, we are of the view that those circumstances form a chain so complete which leads us to the only conclusion that it is the respondent, Santosh Kumar Singh, who had committed rape upon the deceased and then murdered her.”Immediately, after this statement I could see Santosh’s face turning pale and his lawyers as if mourning in grief. The Judge continued, “ The circumstantial evidence in the case is absolutely inconsistent and incompatible with the innocence of the respondent. There is no circumstance brought on record by the respondent suggesting his innocence or the possibility of anyone else having committed the ghastly acts. The trial court, however quite amazingly, after holding almost all the crucial circumstances in favour of the prosecution, has ordered unmerited acquittal of the respondent by taking a perverse approach in the matter. By acquitting the respondent despite being convinced that there was no doubt in the prosecution case (at least for the offence of murder) the trial court has mauled justice, its decision has shocked the conscience of this court.”I took a deep breath and a sense of relief…finally truth had won and justice had been done. Santosh Kumar Singh, the cruel murderer had been convicted and immediately arrested by the CBI. Media inside the court rushed out of the court, to cover the event live and first. This case is historic in many ways.To capture the historic event; it was history in the making right in front of everyone's eyes.This case will set a precedent for all similar future cases. But the delay in this verdict is a cause of concern. Judiciary needs to set a stipulated time-frame for all extra special cases of murder, rape and national security etc. The Judicial process in India is very time consuming, and no one is sure of light at the end of the tunnel. Judiciary also needs to be overhauled in order to expeditiously deliver justice.It is unfortunate that the investigating agencies be it the Police or the top most CBI, have been found lacking in discharging their duties. Its high time that they get awakened from their deep slumber to discharge their duties in a systematic manner.Facing The Mattoo’sThe next day i.e. 18th October 2006, early in the morning I decided to gather some strength and call up Mattoo uncle and aunty. It was hard to face them. But I decided to give them a ring. When I called the voice at the other end told me that uncle was downstairs and asked me to call back after 5 minutes. But soon after my mobile rang, it was Shri Chaman Lal Mattoo...As soon as I heard Mr. Mattoo's voice, my heart started pounding; it felt as if the world had shrunk on me and the time had stopped. Mr. Mattoo was deeply appreciative of the efforts of each and every individual, organization and, in particular, media. It was hard for both of us to weave our emotions into words. Mattoo uncle thanked me and told me to convey the same to our entire team. He said that he was very eager to talk to me after the verdict but failed establishing contact with me.There was a lady behind who was insisting on speaking with me. Uncle handed over the phone to her, she was Rageshwariji (Priyadarshini’s mother)...Very emotionally she thanked me like anything, more than that she blessed me and the whole group. I’m unable to translate her Kashmiri expressions... I was touched...I could feel it very much that she was no doubt in pain of losing her dear child, but at the same time there was some sort of satisfaction and relief to her.I could feel a bruised, yet relieved, heart pouring all the love and affection in the world on me. There's only so much a man can take. Tears flowing down and heart screaming I wanted to console her and convey her that it was their strong conviction that helped the case most but I couldn't utter a word....Our VerdictWe at “Justice For Priyadarshini” firmly believe that the Priyadarshini Mattoo case fits into the category of “rarest of the rare” and hence the guilty should be awarded the death penalty.Though there are philosophical reasons for being against death penalty, I think death penalty should be struck upon the culprit so that spoilt brats of power know that they are not above the law. It will set precedence and act as a deterrent.
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UNITED STUDENTS - An Initiative by People's ActionLets together make a difference...United Students, a Delhi University based neutral group would be working on various issues in the coming months and requires active participation from all of you. If you are ready to go out in the open and make a difference, contact any of our coordinators who will further guide you.United Students has been already campaigning for issues like Reservations,Jessica Lall and Priyadarshini Mattoo Case,RTI,Campus security etc.Currently we are campaigning for the registration of Voter ID Cards in DU.Since the organisation is volunatry, time commitment is flexible.Regards,For Further Details Contact :-Dhruv Suri - dhruvsuri@gmail.comAaditya Dar - aadityadar@gmail.comNikhita Arora - nikhita_arora@yahoo.co.inAditya Raj Kaul - adityarajkaul@gmail.comDevika Mallik - devika_malik@yahoo.comUnited Students -E-mail - unitedstudents.india@gmail.comWebsite - www.unitedstudents.tkUnited Students @ ORKUThttp://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=13038478UNITED STUDENTS @ Yahoo Groupshttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/united_students/Blog - www.unitedstudents.blogspot.comPlease spread this message to all your friends...
Where The Mind Is Without Fear...- by RABINDERANATH TAGORE
"Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;Where knowledge is free;Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;Where words come out from the depth of truth; Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection; Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;Where the mind is lead forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action- Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake."
I have always loved reading this poem...I believe in it...!
Previous Posts
Mattoo case: Santosh Kumar Singh gets death penal...
HC to decide on sentence - The Final Judgement Day...
Hope ignites for Kataras
Jessica’s sister witnesses conviction
Mattoo case conviction a "victory of judicial system": Friends
Priyadarshini's Father:'This is justice; my daughter will rest in peace'
Brother Speaks up...
10 Long Years: Justice finally delivered...
“Justice For Priyadarshini”… My experiences with t...
"Wake Me Up When September Ends" ...
HC to decide on sentence - The Final Judgement Day...This is to inform all that after the judgement convicting Santosh Kumar Singh of rape and murder of Priyadarshini Mattoo on 17th October, the final arguments and judgement announcing punishment will take place today in the afternoon at the Delhi High Court. Justice Sondhi in his Judgement had said that either Santosh will be given life imprisonment or death sentence.Lets hope that strongest and the harshest punishment is given to this criminal.Members of Justice For Priyadarshini, Bollywood personalities and senior journalists and lawyers are expected to attend this historic final judgement.
Justice For PriyadarshiniMattoo case: HC to decide on sentenceBureau ReportNew Delhi, Oct 29: Twelve days after convicting Santosh Kumar Singh for raping and murdering Priyadarshini Mattoo on January 23, 1996, the Delhi High Court will tomorrow hear arguments on the quantum of his sentence.Holding Santosh guilty of the offence on October 17, a division bench of Justices R S Sodhi and P K Bhasin fixed October 30 for hearing arguments from both sides on the quantum of sentence.Following a submission made by the CBI for stringent punishment for Santosh, the bench hinted that it would award him either capital punishment or life imprisonment for commiting the grisly murder nearly 11 years ago.Setting aside a lower court's order acquitting santosh, the bench said, "The trial court, however, quite amazingly after holding almost all crucial circumstances in favour of the prosecution, has ordered unmerited acquittal of the respondent (Santosh) by taking a perverse approach in the matter."Despite being convinced that there was no doubt in the prosecution case (at least for murder), the trial court has mauled justice, its decision has shocked the judicial conscience of this court," the bench observed.Rejecting the submission made by Santosh's counsel that the blood sample of the accused, taken for a DNA test, was tampered with by the CBI, the bench said, "We find no evidence to show that there was any tampering with the blood sample sent to the laboratory for the test. There is nothing on record to show that the seals on the sample were ever tampered with." The circumstantial evidence in the case is absolutely inconsistent and incompatible with the innocence of the respondent (Singh)," the bench remarked."From an overall analysis of the circumstances that had been discussed, we are of the view that those circumstances form a chain so complete which leads us to the only conclusion that it is Santosh Kumar Singh who had committed the rape of Mattoo and then murdered her," the bench said. (Agencies)
Hope ignites for Kataras
Neelam Katara, mother of Nitish Katara.
The reversal of the acquittal in the Priyadarshini Mattoo case is being seen as a precursor to the other two high-profile cases of miscarriage of justice: Jessica Lall and Nitish Katara.
Amid all the jubilation, the six-year delay in reversing the trial court's decision still rankled. Since the Nitish Katara case has been stalled at the trial stage because of Bharati Yadav's evasive tactics, his mother, Neelam Katara, struck a note of caution. "The end is good, but the wait had been too long. The delay needs to be looked into as it helps the accused and leads to difficulties for the victim's family." She said: "The victim family should be allowed to participate in the trial rather than being silent spectators. They should be allowed to speak up during the hearings if they want to make an important point."
Jessica’s sister witnesses conviction
Sabrina Lall, Jessica Lall's sister“We are hopeful now” said Sabrina Lall today as she witnessed the verdict being delivered in the Mattoo case. Fighting a similar battle seeking justice for her sister, Jessica Lall, she was experiencing it first hand literally.When the HC Justices RS Sodhi and PK Bhasin were reading out their judgment today, convicting Santosh Singh of raping and murdering 23-year-old Priyadarshini Mattoo, Lall’s was another family present in the courtroom.As the same two-member Bench is hearing the appeal in the Jessica Lall murder case, Sabrina and her friends were sitting in the courtroom along with accused in the case, Amardeep Singh Gill alias Tony and Alok Khanna. They keenly watched the proceedings before the bench took up their matter after the lunch break.Some of the people who regularly attend the hearings of the Jessica murder case on behalf of some of the accused, were seen following Singh while he was taken into CBI custodyCourtesy: The Hindu & Indian Express
posted by Aditya Raj Kaul @ 3:01 PM 0 comments
Mattoo case conviction a "victory of judicial system": Friends
In Picture,Shri Agnishekhar (Chairman, Panun Kashmir ) and Aditya Raj Kaul Initiator, Justice For Priyadarshini.New Delhi, Oct 17: Ten years after he raped and killed Priyadarshini Mattoo, the conviction of Santosh Kumar Singh, son of a former IPS officer, by the Delhi High Court on Tuesday was hailed as a "victory of the judicial system"."Today is the victory of Indian judicial system and victory of the entire media, and the entire nation who stood behind us in this fight against injustice," said Aditya Raj Kaul, Initiator, Justice 4 Priyadarshini campaign."We have have faith in judiciary and this faith has increased 100 per cent. We never expected such a great response from judiciary as well as from the CBI," he added."I am very happy. Santosh is found guilty on both the accounts-- rape and murder. I know the family very well. Priyadarshini belonged to a very respectable family and it has gone through a very bad phase in last ten years by not receiving justice. Finally, they have something to feel good about," said Agnisheker, a family friend and a supporter of the campaign.Bureau Report
posted by Aditya Raj Kaul @ 1:44 PM 4 comments
Priyadarshini's Father:'This is justice; my daughter will rest in peace'
Chaman Lal Mattoo, Priyadarshini's Father."Finally justice has been delivered," said an exuburent Chaman Lal Mattoo on Tuesday after he heard of the conviction of Santosh Singh for raping and killing his daughter Priyadarshani Mattoo 10 years ago."I can't express myself. I have no words to express how I feel," Mattoo, who is in Himachal Pradesh, said on phone."Justice has been done. Common people in the country can now breathe with ease. This is a step in the right direction," said Mattoo. He added, "My daughter cannot come back. But at least, her soul will be in peace today."Mattoo thanked CBI Director Vijay Shanker for taking personal interest in the case.Facing The Mattoo’sby Aditya Raj KaulThe next day i.e. 18th October 2006, early in the morning I decided to gather some strength and call up Mattoo uncle and aunty. It was hard to face them. But I decided to give them a ring. When I called the voice at the other end told me that uncle was downstairs and asked me to call back after 5 minutes. But soon after my mobile rang, it was Shri Chaman Lal Mattoo...As soon as I heard Mr. Mattoo's voice, my heart started pounding; it felt as if the world had shrunk on me and the time had stopped. Mr. Mattoo was deeply appreciative of the efforts of each and every individual, organization and, in particular, media. It was hard for both of us to weave our emotions into words. Mattoo uncle thanked me and told me to convey the same to our entire team. He said that he was very eager to talk to me after the verdict but failed establishing contact with me.There was a lady behind who was insisting on speaking with me. Uncle handed over the phone to her, she was Rageshwariji (Priyadarshini’s mother)...Very emotionally she thanked me like anything, more than that she blessed me and the whole group. I’m unable to translate her Kashmiri expressions... I was touched...I could feel it very much that she was no doubt in pain of losing her dear child, but at the same time there was some sort of satisfaction and relief to her.I could feel a bruised, yet relieved, heart pouring all the love and affection in the world on me. There's only so much a man can take. Tears flowing down and heart screaming I wanted to console her and convey her that it was their strong conviction that helped the case most but I couldn't utter a word....
posted by Aditya Raj Kaul @ 1:30 PM 0 comments
Brother Speaks up...
Heymant Mattoo,Priyadarshini's brother.“I have mixed feelings right now because we did not expect that the verdict would have a positive outcome based on the previous judgement that was passed by the trial court. It was 50-50, and we did not know where the dice would land. So we are very happy right now and elated,” said Heymant Mattoo on Tuesday (October 17).“There was a lot of pressure from the media and a lot of pressure from the people who rallied for “Justice for Priyadarshini”. These are the people who worked very hard, who gave support to my father who was fighting alone for the last 8 to 9 years. So the courts had to put it on a fast track and deliver justice in good time,” said Heymant.Finally, when asked about the quantum of punishmen that he thought Santosh Singh deserved, Heymant Mattoo said: “Looking at the intensity of the crime, and what he has done to a young and budding girl, I think he should get the maximum sentence that the courts deem fit for this kind of crime.”Courtesy: Times Now
posted by Aditya Raj Kaul @ 1:08 PM 0 comments
10 Long Years: Justice finally delivered...
Lawyer & Friends of Santosh Singh attacking Media outside CourtConvict: Santosh Kumar Singh
posted by Aditya Raj Kaul @ 12:45 PM 3 comments
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
“Justice For Priyadarshini”… My experiences with the fight against injustice!
"Priyadarshini Mattoo" was the name that used to haunt me every now and then a few years back. I had heard and read a lot about this case, but never did I actually bother to see what had happened in the case and its current position. The picture in my mind was hazy.It was in February this year that Jessica Lall case was in the headlines, because of the acquittal of all the accused in the case. This verdict gave me a tremendous shock. I could never believe my eyes watching the criminals going scot free just because of the lack in investigation. That was the time when I realized that now is the time for the country’s youth to take charge. I used the best weapon at my end; which was writing. I wrote to editors of various newspapers, followed by discussions on this case in various youth forums and groups. I could not believe that a public outcry in this case immediately helped as the Delhi High Court took a sue motto notice. It had given me a hope, that we are united against injustice.During this time, another case, which I had earlier as well read about, caught my attention. It was the Priyadarshini Mattoo Case. Media was trying its best to highlight it as far as it could, but nothing really was coming out. My 12th board examinations were on but my mind was as well following this case.Priyadrshini Mattoo Case: A brief HistoryPriyadarshini was brutally raped and murdered on 23rd January 1996 in broad daylight in a posh South Delhi locality by his senior at the Law Faculty, Delhi University, Santosh Kumar Singh. The accused was son of a senior IPS officer.In the verdict given by Additional Sessions Judge on 3rd December 1999, Justice G.P. Thareja said, “ Though I know he is the man who committed the crime, I acquit him giving him the benefit of doubt.”The judge also went on record saying, “ The CBI in the matter of DNA evidence has not acted fairly. It tampered with the evidence of clothes of the deceased and also the blood sample of the accused. It even fabricated the documentary evidence and also the Malkhana Register of the CBI as is clear from the discrepancies.”The CBI filed its appeal challenging the courts verdict in the Delhi High Court in 2000, since then 7 years have passed without a single hearing of the case. It was a shame for the Indian Judiciary.Online Campaign Begins
On March 22nd this year when I read an article of Mr. C.L. Mattoo, Priyadarshini’s father, in a national daily, it sent shivers down my spine. My heart cried at the agony of the father, a father who had been fighting; for more than 10 years to get justice. I was determined to do something, which could still give some courage to him to fight this battle. Finally, on that very day I decided to start an online signature campaign, which had a petition addressed to the Honourable President of India and Chief Justice of India asking for retrial and reinvestigation in this case.I had found a new modern way for people to speak against injustice and discrimination. I was thrilled to get an overwhelming response from people across the world; thousands of signatures were collected, my inbox was filled with mails and at every nook and corner people were discussing about this very case. It was towards the end of my board examination in March when NDTV contacted me for a story on my petition. The story was telecasted the next day. Later that day, NDTV asked me to come for a very special live panel discussion. I was asked for my opinion and what motivated me to start this campaign. I clearly remember the last question by the anchor Nidhi Razdan: Are u hopeful that justice will be done in the Mattoo Case? After a brief gap…. I replied “No, not at this moment”Later, another channel CNN-IBN covered a story on my petition, and I was again invited for the evening live panel discussion with Rajdeep Sardesai on the ‘Face The Nation’. It was a bit similar experience.Our Team : “Justice For Priyadarshini”Even though the case was on and off the media's attention, not much was happening on the ground. But I decided to take this forward upon request from all my friends and others. Many youth contacted me from around the world, mostly from India. After brief research of two months in this case me and my friends decided to form a group of volunteers who were determined to work for the cause. This led to the formation of “Justice For Priyadarshini”, which soon became our campaign name.A friend from USA who was actively involved with me in this group introduced me to his sister a journalist working in Delhi with one of the top media houses who was interested to work for this cause. In our first meeting, we decided to meet Mr. C.L. Mattoo, Priyadarshini’s father.It was on May 4th that our small group comprising of me, that journalist friend and another of her friend, took the courage to meet Priyadarshini’s father. On the one hand my heart and mind was involved with the anti-reservation protests, but my soul was stuck with justice for Priyadarshini. This was the day when President of India invited me and my group for talks on reservations.It was hard for us to face a father who had completely lost the courage to move on. As we entered his room, he greeted us and directed us to make ourselves comfortable. After the introduction, he told me that there is a young boy who has just finished his 12th and had started a campaign for this case. He asked us to contact him. I was surprised as he was referring to me. The journalist friend sitting with me introduced me as that very boy who had started that petition. The moment he heard this he stood up and hugged me, he thanked me for unknowingly helping him. I could see drops of tears coming out his eyes. I could feel my heart crying, I was motion less. I did not know what to say. I replied that it was my duty to raise my voice being an Indian citizen. Though I wanted to say more, I stopped. At the end of the meeting he asked me to continue my efforts, I assured him that day, that I will do whatever I can in my capacity to get justice. The journalist girl with me was equally enthusiastic about this case. She decided to study the case in detail and then work on it technically. She was with me in this campaign at each and every step. I felt Mr. Mattoo was now somewhat hopeful of justice being done as the youth had taken charge.I believe this was the first day of our campaign and gradually more people started to volunteer for the cause. We decided to have a protest march on 23rd of July, which was Priyadarshini’s 34th birth anniversary.We started working hard towards our goal, organising door-to-door campaigns, meeting various groups and individuals for support became a regular affair. In a short span of time, more than 25 Delhi based civil society groups, NGO’s, women’s bodies, students groups etc. pledged their support for this cause. One of the first groups to lend a helping hand was Delhi University based students neutral group United Students, who had started the anti-reservation campaign in the country. They mobilized nearly each and every college in the campus area by distributing pamphlets, sticking posters, organising corner meetings etc. Even the faculty and students of the Law Faculty, Delhi University where Priyadarshini used to study, joined this movement. Many other organizations like Jagori, People’s Action and Human Rights Law Network just to name a few raised their voice for this cause.Just days before the protest Mr. C.L. Mattoo decided to visit Delhi to support the group and raise this issue on a larger scale in front of the media. We organized a joint press conference, which strongly demanded an “immediate reinvestigation and retrial within a stipulated timeframe”. This conference became the headlines next day. In the meantime many electronic, print and radio media organizations extended their support to the cause.The Protest that shook the Country
Finally, came the day that we were awaiting, it was 23rd July. The entire group was nervous, we had spent the previous night planning strategies, discussing various other things and completing last minute work for the protest. As we moved to the protest site, India Gate, a few hours before the protest, we got a message that our venue was shifted to Jantar Mantar due to some last minute security concerns. It was a very hard decision to change the venue; we hardly had any option, other then to follow the advice of the Police.We immediately decided to plant our volunteers on different corners of India Gate to direct people towards the changed venue. I had never expected this last minute change, this was a shock, but we had to tackle it and make our rally a great success.I checked the time in my wristwatch, it showed 4:30 pm, the scheduled time for our protest to start. I took a round of Jantar Mantar. I tried to figure the exact number of people present. The figure was shocking; there were hardly 25 people with 30 journalists standing and staring at this small crowd. I had anticipated a much larger figure. I was disheartened.After a few minutes, I jumped with excitement when I got a call from a volunteer standing at India Gate, he told me to be prepared, hundreds of people had already landed at India Gate and were now directed towards Jantar Mantar. My elation knew no bounds when I saw countless number of cars and other vehicles coming from the Janpath side road towards Jantar Mantar. I was re-energised.Media swung into action. The electronic media started their OB vans, with live coverage as the protest began. Photographers struggled to get space. Entire Jantar Mantar was full of people. Soon after, many personalities who had pledged their support for the cause landed at the venue, it included actors Anupam Kher, Roshan Seth and M.K. Raina, politician and activist Manika Gandhi and film director Ashok Pandit. Even Neelam Katara, mother of the murdered Nitish Katara, who has been also fighting for justice, joined us in the rally.The air reverberated with slogans like, “We Want Justice” and “Justice Delayed is Justice Denied”. The depth in that one united voice from the crowd touched my strings of my heart. It was totally different atmosphere, a new experience for me.CBI ActionThe very next day CBI filed an early hearing petition in the High Court due to immense public and media pressure. The High Court heard the case on August 30th and set it for regular hearing on daily basis.The case continued for a month, around 14 hearings and finally the judgement came on October 17th 2006.The Judgement Day: First Hand ExperienceThe entire country was eagerly awaiting the Judgement which was scheduled to come in the afternoon on 17th of October 2006. I was sitting in the Delhi High Court, praying in my heart. The criminal, Santosh Kumar Singh was sitting in the next row in front. The judges entered the court at about 2:15 pm, Justice Sondhi announced the verdict before the jampacked court in complete silence. The Judge said, “From an overall analysis of circumstances that have been discussed above and held to have been proved beyond any doubt by unimpeachable evidence, we are of the view that those circumstances form a chain so complete which leads us to the only conclusion that it is the respondent, Santosh Kumar Singh, who had committed rape upon the deceased and then murdered her.”Immediately, after this statement I could see Santosh’s face turning pale and his lawyers as if mourning in grief. The Judge continued, “ The circumstantial evidence in the case is absolutely inconsistent and incompatible with the innocence of the respondent. There is no circumstance brought on record by the respondent suggesting his innocence or the possibility of anyone else having committed the ghastly acts. The trial court, however quite amazingly, after holding almost all the crucial circumstances in favour of the prosecution, has ordered unmerited acquittal of the respondent by taking a perverse approach in the matter. By acquitting the respondent despite being convinced that there was no doubt in the prosecution case (at least for the offence of murder) the trial court has mauled justice, its decision has shocked the conscience of this court.”I took a deep breath and a sense of relief…finally truth had won and justice had been done. Santosh Kumar Singh, the cruel murderer had been convicted and immediately arrested by the CBI. Media inside the court rushed out of the court, to cover the event live and first. This case is historic in many ways.To capture the historic event; it was history in the making right in front of everyone's eyes.This case will set a precedent for all similar future cases. But the delay in this verdict is a cause of concern. Judiciary needs to set a stipulated time-frame for all extra special cases of murder, rape and national security etc. The Judicial process in India is very time consuming, and no one is sure of light at the end of the tunnel. Judiciary also needs to be overhauled in order to expeditiously deliver justice.It is unfortunate that the investigating agencies be it the Police or the top most CBI, have been found lacking in discharging their duties. Its high time that they get awakened from their deep slumber to discharge their duties in a systematic manner.Facing The Mattoo’sThe next day i.e. 18th October 2006, early in the morning I decided to gather some strength and call up Mattoo uncle and aunty. It was hard to face them. But I decided to give them a ring. When I called the voice at the other end told me that uncle was downstairs and asked me to call back after 5 minutes. But soon after my mobile rang, it was Shri Chaman Lal Mattoo...As soon as I heard Mr. Mattoo's voice, my heart started pounding; it felt as if the world had shrunk on me and the time had stopped. Mr. Mattoo was deeply appreciative of the efforts of each and every individual, organization and, in particular, media. It was hard for both of us to weave our emotions into words. Mattoo uncle thanked me and told me to convey the same to our entire team. He said that he was very eager to talk to me after the verdict but failed establishing contact with me.There was a lady behind who was insisting on speaking with me. Uncle handed over the phone to her, she was Rageshwariji (Priyadarshini’s mother)...Very emotionally she thanked me like anything, more than that she blessed me and the whole group. I’m unable to translate her Kashmiri expressions... I was touched...I could feel it very much that she was no doubt in pain of losing her dear child, but at the same time there was some sort of satisfaction and relief to her.I could feel a bruised, yet relieved, heart pouring all the love and affection in the world on me. There's only so much a man can take. Tears flowing down and heart screaming I wanted to console her and convey her that it was their strong conviction that helped the case most but I couldn't utter a word....Our VerdictWe at “Justice For Priyadarshini” firmly believe that the Priyadarshini Mattoo case fits into the category of “rarest of the rare” and hence the guilty should be awarded the death penalty.Though there are philosophical reasons for being against death penalty, I think death penalty should be struck upon the culprit so that spoilt brats of power know that they are not above the law. It will set precedence and act as a deterrent.
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UNITED STUDENTS - An Initiative by People's ActionLets together make a difference...United Students, a Delhi University based neutral group would be working on various issues in the coming months and requires active participation from all of you. If you are ready to go out in the open and make a difference, contact any of our coordinators who will further guide you.United Students has been already campaigning for issues like Reservations,Jessica Lall and Priyadarshini Mattoo Case,RTI,Campus security etc.Currently we are campaigning for the registration of Voter ID Cards in DU.Since the organisation is volunatry, time commitment is flexible.Regards,For Further Details Contact :-Dhruv Suri - dhruvsuri@gmail.comAaditya Dar - aadityadar@gmail.comNikhita Arora - nikhita_arora@yahoo.co.inAditya Raj Kaul - adityarajkaul@gmail.comDevika Mallik - devika_malik@yahoo.comUnited Students -E-mail - unitedstudents.india@gmail.comWebsite - www.unitedstudents.tkUnited Students @ ORKUThttp://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=13038478UNITED STUDENTS @ Yahoo Groupshttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/united_students/Blog - www.unitedstudents.blogspot.comPlease spread this message to all your friends...
Where The Mind Is Without Fear...- by RABINDERANATH TAGORE
"Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;Where knowledge is free;Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;Where words come out from the depth of truth; Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection; Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;Where the mind is lead forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action- Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake."
I have always loved reading this poem...I believe in it...!
Previous Posts
Mattoo case: Santosh Kumar Singh gets death penal...
HC to decide on sentence - The Final Judgement Day...
Hope ignites for Kataras
Jessica’s sister witnesses conviction
Mattoo case conviction a "victory of judicial system": Friends
Priyadarshini's Father:'This is justice; my daughter will rest in peace'
Brother Speaks up...
10 Long Years: Justice finally delivered...
“Justice For Priyadarshini”… My experiences with t...
"Wake Me Up When September Ends" ...
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