Wife of the jailed rights activist says the family is not safe in Chhattisgarh; claims case against her husband was a farce

She has been in a state of shock ever since the verdict was pronounced. A prominent social worker herself, who has been part of committees formed by the Central government on education (including those under Dr Manmohan Singh), Ilina Sen, wife of now convicted Dr Binayak Sen, spoke to MiD DAY about meeting her husband in jail and her take on the Naxal problem.


Fighting on: Ilina Sen, wife of Dr Binayak Sen. Pic/Rajeev Tyagi

What do you feel about the trial leading to Binayak Sen's conviction?
It was a complete farce. We believed that a fair trial was possible but that belief has now been shattered. The police chargesheet has been repeated verbatim in the judgement. There was no reason for this trial ka natak. I will now only get back my husband's body from jail.

What will you do now that your husband is in prison?
I am afraid that I am not safe in Chhattisgarh. I have two daughters. I fear what will happen to them. I am not safe in my own country. I want to live a peaceful life. For that whatever I have to do I will do. Whenever I go to Chhattisgarh my phone is tapped; I am followed.