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What's the story?
Ahead of the 2018 Hero Super Cup finale kicked off, East Bengal’s defence force, Gurwinder Singh was seen donning a t-shirt with a picture of late 8-year-old rape and murder victim, Asifa Bano. The deceased youngster was abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered in the village of Rasana located near Kathua in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
In case you didn’t know…
The unfortunate atrocity that took place in January this year caused a much-needed outrage in the entire country. Multiple marches in mourning of the victim’s death took place all over India. These silent marches were also a sign of protest from the public, asking the government authorities for strict action to be taken against the monstrous culprits.
Heart of the matter
Ahead of the final match of the Indian Super Cup action kicked off, East Bengal defender, Gurwinder Singh was seen wearing a t-shirt with Asifa Bano’s face printed on it as a gesture of paying respect to the victim, anticipating proper justice to be served to her family and loved ones.
Though Singh’s team failed in their efforts to contain Bengaluru FC, the gesticulation from the 31-year-old Punjabi man is a one that must be applauded and be given due respect and credit.
What’s next?
While the offenders of the Kathua rape case have been arrested by the local police authorities, the government must set a strong example for these criminals as the country seems to be becoming unsafe by the hour.
Author’s take
On a platform as large as the finale of the inaugural edition of the Indian Super Cup, Gurwinder Singh’s actions were witnessed and applauded by not only the thousands of fans present at the Kalinga Stadium in Odisha but the ones watching from their television sets as well. It certainly does make an impact when celebrities and sports personalities have their say on social matters such as this, and the gesture from the defender was certainly heart-warming.
