Investigators heave a sigh of relief
New Delhi: The investigators in the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case had a sigh of relief after the Apex court judgement that nails the culprits of Nirbhaya and inches them closer to the hanging noose. Their hard work was also at stake. The police officers including the former DCP South Chaya Sharma, Inspector Special task force (South) Rajender Singh and former SHO Vasant Vihar Anil Kumar Sharma were all glued to the historic judgement.
"It was a team work. We were fortunate enough to have a brilliant team of officers who gathered evidence that also passed the litmus test of three judicial scrutinies. Also, the statements given by Nirbhaya herself proved to be of vital importance. We promised Nirbhaya's parents that we will provide them justice and finally the verdict is here," said Chaya Sharma, IPS officer now serving as DIG NHRC.
The police for the first time used high end techniques like orthodontic evidence ( teeth marks on Nirbhaya's Body were scientifically matched with teeth of the culprits). Body to Body DNA testing ( collect samples from the body of the accused to gather samples like semen or blood ) which helped cops finally prove their case in court and attain conviction.
"We filed the 36 pages chargesheet in just 18 days, this too happened for the first time. We identified the spot within hours and collected the evidence from there. We also sent forensic evidence to Karnataka to get the report. We are relieved that the court found no flaw in our evidence," said Anil Kumar Sharma, who is presently SHO Kirti Nagar.
Afte the Apex court upheld the death sentence to the convicts, the officer said that the team was glad that no fingers were raised on the investigation instead the whole investigating team received 'Thumbs Up'. "A lot of things changed since then, our country, our society, our way of thinking and even the law has changed. Now, girls know how to raise their voice against harassment and even aware about their rights. We have developed family ties with the Nirbhaya's family and this only can happen when you win their trust," Anil Sharma said.
