Akash Yadav, from an 'accidental' murder to Haryana's top don
A 16-year-old teenager is being tried as an adult in the Ryan School murder case. However, rehabilitation of a juvenile is a sensitive matter and prone to risks, and the 11-year-old case of Akash Yadav is proof. Yadav shot dead his classmate in a Gurgaon school and was punished, but he ended up becoming one of Haryana's top dons instead. Here's Yadav's story.
The "mistake" that turned around Akash's life
Akash was the elder son of property dealer Azad Singh Yadav. On November 11, 2007, Azad received a call from Akash's school informing him that he had murdered Abhishek Tyagi. Akash and his friend Vikas had confronted Abhishek, then shot him multiple times. Abhishek's father believes Akash killed him as he was better in sports. But Akash's family says Abhishek was bullying Akash's girlfriend.
The 'juvenile home' experience included bullying, sexual assault, violence
On December 11, Akash and Vikas were sent to a juvenile observation home for three years, but it ended up doing more harm than good. The environment was vastly different: they moved from comfortable lives to dirty mattresses and smelly toilets while surrounded by repeat offenders. Without elaborating, Akash's younger-brother Sumit hinted at what went on inside: bullying, sexual abuse and violence are common.
Once outside, even getting admission in schools was difficult
It was when Akash became friends with an influential hitman that different gangs started noticing him and trying to rope him in. But Akash was determined to return to "normal life." After coming out on bail in 2008, he got admitted in a Faridabad school, but was thrown out when the management found out his history. Admission attempts at more schools unfolded similarly.
Both brothers have landed in prison now
Akash moved to Rajasthan to study, but continued to be threatened and harassed by gangs. Finally, at 19, he decided to make his own gang. Sumit, who was known as "the brother of a murderer," too followed suit. The two brothers face a variety of charges: rioting, assault, misbehaving with women and more. Both are in jail now, though likely to be released soon.
No change in situation 10 years later
Over 10 years later, the situation is similar for the 380 offenders currently in Haryana's sole juvenile home in Faridabad. Since 2012, 290 have been sent in for murder, 180 for rape, and 176 for "voluntarily causing hurt." A psychologist says most of them are "lonely and isolated," are from middle-class families, are exposed to "drinking (and) drugs," and unaware of their actions' consequences.
Not too late for the Ryan accused yet
As for Akash, in the absence of evidence, he's likely to be released soon. His first plan is avenging the murder of a cousin by an old enemy. He says he can't leave his work. "If I don't kill them, they will kill me." It's too late for Akash, but authorities should ensure the Ryan murder accused doesn't end up the same way.
