The mental and physical scars refuse to fade away. Memories of bereavement continue to haunt survivors and relatives of those killed in the Dilsukhnagar blasts. Strangely, over the last one year, their woes have only multiplied, thanks to inordinate delay in handing over ex-gratia and jobs.
Many don’t know as to why Yasin Bhatkal is still in jail. “The terrorist is treated like a celebrity in jail, while we struggle to live the nightmare. My family is yet to get the ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh promised by the Central government and Rs. 1 lakh by the GHMC,” says Amrutha Kumar, brother of Amrutha Ravi, who died in the blasts.
The brothers were in the city to take the Sub-Inspector test when their dreams were shattered.
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Father of Aijaz Ahmed (17), who died, questions the integrity of the authorities when it comes to providing jobs to relatives.
“Officials said the maximum age limit for job eligibility is 39 years. I am 41 years old. I requested for age relaxation, and they [officials] promised to consider my case. That was a year ago. I visited the Collector’s office several times and eventually gave up” says Asghar Ali, the father.
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There are even survivors who grapple with poverty. “After losing my left eye in the blasts, nobody is giving me masonry work, which has forced me to sell vegetables.
Initially, officials promised a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh for the disabled. But, they are refusing to issue me a certificate, as I lost just one eye,” rues Yadgiri.
The impact of the blasts was so deep that some survivors decided never to return to the city.
“After losing his right eye, Maruti could not regain confidence.
He refuses to come here and insists on living in Bidar working in a farm,” says Vishwanath, brother of Maruti Bhujangrao Kamaji.
Similarly, Ravinder, a daily wage labourer, who lost his right leg, swears never to return.
“For my family, Hyderabad is jinxed. I brought my family here for the first time on February 21. I lost my younger son, and six of my relatives were severely injured,” he recalls. Says V. Sudhakar, son of V. Ramulu, GHMC Superintendent, who died: “People and security forces should not let down their vigil at public spaces, as it will only pave the way for future attacks.”