What about us, Patilji?

Niece of Haresh Gohil, who lost his life outside Nariman House, writes an open letter to RR Patil, after the Home Minister visited Qasab yesterday

In the aftermath of the 26/11 terror attacks, Home Minister RR Patil lost his chair over this comment Bade bade shaheron mein, aisi chhoti chhoti baatein hoti rehti hai.

And now, two years after the incident, a visit to Arthur Road jail and a chat with terrorist Ajmal Amir Qasab has not gone down well with the victims of the terror attack.


Damyanti Gohil (left), mother of Haresh, and his niece Preeti. Haresh was shot dead outside Nariman House in the terror attack on 26/11

MiD DAY spoke to the family of a victim, Haresh Gohil, who was shot dead outside Nariman House.

Haresh's mother Damyanti (50) and niece Preeti have been running from pillar to post trying to submit a petition seeking a house for the ailing widow. It took them six months just to get a babu to accept their request.

After the Home Minister's visit to Qasab, Preeti decided to write an open letter to the minister through MiD DAY.

Dear Patil sahib,

Two years ago, my uncle Haresh Gohil was shot outside his house when armed terrorists tried to enter Nariman House on November 26.

He was the first graduate in our family of 17, and had just landed a decent job before the terror attack.

It was his childhood dream to be able to buy a house for his ailing mother. That dream died with him on that fateful night.

I wanted to remind you that on the first anniversary of the terror attack you graced our locality with your presence and offered shradhanjali for the victims. Our hopes were very high as we waited from morning to evening to be able to have a word with you.


State Leader of the Opposition Eknath Khadse and Home Minister R R Patil at Arthur Road jail yesterday

But that was not to be, as you are a busy man. You arrived, folded your hands before a picture of Harish, paid your condolences and left. None of the family members had a chance to say anything to you. You are a busy man, mantriji.

I have heard that you went to visit one of the terrorists at Arthur Road jail yesterday. It was very kind of you to spare time to meet and talk to a cold-blooded killer. This man gunned down several innocent people that also included top police officers.

You opened up to him and spoke to him, you have a big heart mantriji.

If you don't mind, may I present a humble request to you sahib? Me and my family have been running from pillar to post to try and request for a house for Haresh's widowed mother.

It took us six months just to get a babu to accept our petition. I know you are a busy man sahib, but if you can go all the way to Arthur Road to meet and greet Qasab, a minute of your time is all I am requesting for.

I hope you will oblige us Preeti Gohil