If Swathi had been alive today, she would have turned 25. A soft-spoken woman who is still remembered by her friends and family for her gentle nature and sense of humour, Swathi’s life was cruelly cut short in a way that none close to her anticipated.
The brutal murder of the Infosys techie by her alleged stalker on June 24 earlier this year, sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu. Since then, much water has flown under the bridge.
The suspect Ramkumar was nabbed by the police from his hometown in Thirunelveli. The intense media scrutiny on the case led to numerous discussions on women’s safety and gender-based violence. But there were other conversations too, along casteist and communal lines.
Not everyone was convinced that Ramkumar, the accused, was the killer. Politicians entered the fray, alleging that he was being framed. And with Ramkumar allegedly committing suicide in police custody earlier this month, conspiracy theories have once again risen to the surface.
But what about the family that is still in mourning for a daughter who will never come home?
On her birthday, Swathi’s sister Nithya, writes about the girl she grew up with and the family’s continued distress at the rumours that are being spread about her.
“There lived a happy go lucky girl in a quarters, who lived amidst her friends. One fine day the kiddo’s close friend shared the happy news of a younger sister’s arrival. She was fascinated to know that her friend has been blessed with a sister. So even she started praying vigorously for a sister. God too answered the kid’s prayer and on 29th September, the girl’s sister was born. The most awaited moment for the girl.
She enjoyed and rejoiced the arrival of her sister. The elder and younger one were poles apart but in a good way. They both were like Tom and Jerry, kept fighting and pulling each other’s leg for almost everything. But they made sure none came in-between them. They remained protective of each other. As time gave many twist and turns of events in their lives, they were able to sail through everything with the help of their parents. Days, months and years rolled by. Time tested their patience, but the four of them faced it bravely and positively by remaining a close knit family.
One fine day, in the month of June’16, a policeman arrived at their home just to inform that the younger one had been killed. The elder one rushed to the spot, just hoping it would be someone else. All her prayers failed, and to the surprise of everyone, it was her sister. The one who couldn’t bear a small cut was lying dead in a pool of blood, helplessly.
With great difficulties, the family was fighting to get back to their routine. But the so called activists started spreading rumours about the departed soul. The family tried clearing the air, but in vain. There were too many wrong facts about the departed soul and her family. They couldn’t do much other than to mourn, just hoping that the true facts will emerge from the false. Now, the family has been left devastated and is hoping time will help them heal someday.
Happy Birthday my dear. If possible do return to us in some form. Love and miss you more than we could take.”