Bina Ramani, owner of the restaurant where Jessica Lall was killed, thinks capital punishment is best kept for child rapists, and the delayed judgement must urge the government to launch a powerful witness protection programme
Bina Ramani, owner of the restaurant where Jessica Lall was killed, thinks capital punishment is best kept for child rapists, and the delayed judgement must urge the government to launch a powerful witness protection programme
Bina is just back from a holiday in Kai, and the news back home only gives her reason for another one. But she thinks far more remains to be done to make sure no justice ever needs an 11-year wait.
Relieved Socialite Bina Ramani (above) was one of the key witness in the
1999 murder case. file pic
A decade plus one is a rather shameful period for a case as critical as this to be decided. Is there really reason to rejoice?
Yes, I'm happy, it's better late than never. There were times when we'd almost give up. It looked like the wait would be neverending, especially at the rate the witnesses retracted. Everything that corruption could do to worsen the case, it did. But thank god, the horror's over.
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The biggest lesson you've learnt from the episode?
Speedy justice is dependent on witnesses, and the poor fellows get threatened and overpowered easily, so not only must they be punished to set an example for other cases to come, but more importantly, the government must launch a well-conceived witness protection programme to stop losing out on key evidence. It is sad that witnesses in India are treated like a pack of wolves and hunted ruthlessly.
Do you think the court should have chosen capital punishment over life imprisonment for a crime as grave as such a mindless murder?
No, not necessarily. The wrongdoer must live and pay for his sins. Raping a girl child definitely calls for capital punishment, but in this case, life imprisonment is okay.
At one point, you were accused of sympathising with the killer's family. Do you think it was wrong to do that, when you look back at it today?
I was humbled by everything; I could feel a parent's pain, being one myself. That was a very fragile phase for every one of us. I was in jail before that. Everyone was celebrating over champagne, but I was still shaken. In that condition, you don't wish evil for anybody. But today, I am happy there is hope.u00a0
Do you think you were a partner in crime somewhere, serving liquor without the required permit?
Name one restaurant that doesn't do that. And I don't think that invites or causes crime. There is no relation whatsoever between the two. However, we paid a heavy price, pleaded guilty and paid the fine. We regret that, and have never done it thereafter.
Were you hoping this would happen?
Deep down, after Justice RS Sodhi's 2006 verdict, I believed the truth would prevail, no matter how much they spent on lawyers and strategies and saving themselves.
What do you think is the foremost factor that facilitated the fair move?
Trial by media, even if incorrect, and people from all over the country joining it.
Do you think the way they arrested you and family in Goa was wrong?
Yes, we felt very wronged. The very police that had been created by the home ministry to investigate the offenders harassed us, the hosts. Suddenly, no one wanted to talk to us.
The Ramanis have been tainted enough, courtesy this case. Do you finally feel free?
Again, it was the media's sensationalizing that did it. But yes, I am relieved that people's minds have cleared and all those who enjoyed Bina bashing have been shown their place.
Does the horror of that night still replay in your mind sometimes?
I have recounted it repeatedly, and it makes for a major part of the personal memoir I'm writing. It is a negative memory that remains rooted in us, for life became a rollercoaster after that one ill-fated night.
It's become a classic 'Once Upon a Time' (also the name of the bar at Tamarind Court where the incident occurred) story. Halla Bol was inspired by it. If there were to be another film on the chapter, would you play your own part?u00a0 (Laughs) It might kill the movie. But yes, I would love to give a true picture, one that hasn't been shown yet.
What safety measures are you observing now?
There is no Tamarind Court, and hopefully no more such misery.
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