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Follow @chokeda Keenan Santos and Reuben Fernandes – A Tribute
Three weeks ago,the city of Mumbai was served a major blow as
grave concerns were raised over its stance on safety of women.An
incident so dastardly and unfortunate,it will remain etched in the
hearts and minds of millions of people living in the city for years to
come.On 20th October,at about 11pm,a group of friends(four boys and 3
girls) were standing near a paan shop after dinner outside a restaurant
in Amboli.A drunk man standing nearby the group of friends purposely
fell on one of the girls while walking past her and passed a lewd
comment.Keenan(25) and Reuben(29) confronted the man and slapped
him(rightly so) for misbehaving with the girl.
The angry drunk man left the place but not before he told the boys
he’ll be back in some time to avenge the insult.10-15 minutes later,the
man came back with around 20 men armed with Bamboos,sickles and
knives.Watching the group of hooligans coming,the boys sent the girls
inside the restaurant while trying to fend them off.Showing
extraordinary courage and character they took on the mob
unarmed.Outnumbered and overawed,Keenan and Reuben were stabbed while
the other guys were beaten up savagely.Keenan was pronounced dead just
as he was taken to the hospital while Reuben succumbed to his injuries
yesterday.
Reuben(left) and Keenan(centre)
So why am I writing this?Did I know Keenan or Reuben personally?Do I
want to glorify their deaths?Or am I trying to try and make you
sympathise for them?
NO.
I want everyone who reads this post to take a break from their ‘busy
lives’ and THINK.What If it was YOUR friend/sister instead of Reuben’s
friends?Would you defend them till your last breath like Keenan?How
would you feel if a group of about 2 dozen bystanders just stood there
and did nothing to save you while you fought for honor and
justice?Frightening isn’t it?But this is true.NONE of the 2 dozen people
witnessing this savage murder of the young males came forward.Fear,I
suppose is a very underrated terror.
But the main issue was and still is,’Where was the police?’Unlike in
Bollywood movies where the police is always late,unfortunately they were
just not there this time.If brave Keenan’s Dad is to believed,they were
nowhere in sight.Could this have been avoided if they were patrolling
and working hard to maintain order and discipline?Definitely.
The police did arrest four people in connection with the
murder.Keenan and Reuben died untimely deaths.Will punishing their
murderers bring them back?Will it dry the tears in their mothers eyes or
compensate their fathers for losing a son?No.But will it make sure
These Bravehearts didn’t die in vain?Will it restore the public’s faith
in the Justice system?Will it deter such gruesome acts in future?Will
our women feel safe to roam around with their friends in the city?YES.
And do you know what did the assailants say to the boys after they stabbed them?
“We’ll get out of jail in no time.”
These criminals have presumably political links.Do you want to prove
them right?Its easy.Just close this window and continue wasting your
time on the internet.And if you feel even a bit for the heroes who stood
up against injustice and tyranny……….Support them.There’s a 20000 strong
community on Facebook dedicated to them.Join it.Many news channels have
come forward to do their part and campaign for them.
Summing it up,I just wanna say:
Keenan and Reuben,You stood up for your friends in the face of
extreme adversity.You paid for it with your life.I salute you both.Your
tale will go down in history.
