Blaming an unfair ‘trial by media and social media’ for the suicide of activist Khurshid Anwar, those close to him come together to press for a thorough investigation into events leading up to his death.
Dr. Anwar had committed suicide last week, hours after the registration of a case against him.
Members of Anwar’s immediate family, including his elder brother, Delhi University professor Ali Javed, and friends have banded together as the Campaign for Khurshid Anwar.
They alleged that the late activist was forced to take the extreme step due to the mental trauma and public humiliation caused by a targeted vilification campaign on Facebook and certain TV programmes broadcast on the days immediately leading to his death.
The campaigners plan to tap social media to take its message far and wide. A Facebook page ‘Justice for Khurshid Anwar’ has been created, and activity has also started on twitter. A WordPress blog has been started.
“He was convicted, tried and hanged without any process of law. For over three months, no FIR had been filed against him. The complainant was not subjected to a medical test. Dr. Anwar had challenged those accusing him on Facebook to go through these elementary steps, but nothing was done” said Ankita Chandranath, spokesperson of the campaign.
Calling Dr. Anwar as one of the leading women’s rights activists of the country, his former colleague Shruti Chaturvedi said that it was unthinkable that such allegations were being brought against him.
