Keenan Santos and Reuben Fernandes – A Tribute

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.