NGO offers aid to the girl who identified Ajmal Kasab
What's the story
After years of being ostracized by relatives, and looking for a safe home, Devika Rotawan has finally found help.
According to DNA, an army man and an NGO want to provide a house and educational assistance to the 18-year-old Devika, the youngest eye-witness to identify in court Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist involved in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack who was arrested alive.
Challenges
Life has been difficult for Devika after Mumbai terror attack
Life hasn't been easy for Devika since 26/11. She had to undergo six surgeries, and was cast out by her extended family in Rajasthan's Sumerpur.
It's difficult for her father to find accommodation or a job as even making an acquaintance with them is thought of as risky. People often call Devika 'Kasab ki beti' and accuse her of doing it all for publicity.
No aid
Devika still waiting for government's help, protection
After a 10-year-old Devika testified against Kasab in 2008, she was promised her protection and perks. It's been eight years since and Devika is still waiting.
Widely covered in the media and felicitated multiple times, Devika joined Twitter to apprise PM Modi about her struggles and seek help. However, she doesn't write to him anymore, instead tweets about meeting celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan.
Future
Assistance from unlikely quarters
However, Devika has found assistance lately, from Tapovan, a Rajasthan-based NGO, and Sandeep Bhingude, an army soldier.
The NGO has promised to provide her family a home in Rajasthan's Ganganagar in the next six months.
Meanwhile, Bhingude, along with his group Rashtriya Dharma Bhakta Samuha, has decided to help Devika financially with her education and other related expenses until she finds a stable job.