Family members of two victims of the accident case feel that Nooriya Haveliwala has gotten away with a lighter sentence. A special NDPS court, on Thursday, sentenced Haveliwala to five years’ rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs. 5 lakh.
Zaid Mukhi, 29, brother-in-law of Afzal Makhnojia who was killed in the accident, said, “The incident has changed the lives of Afzal’s wife and four-year-old daughter forever. How could she be punished only for five years? She should be sentenced to life imprisonment.”
For wife of deceased police inspector Dinanath Shinde, Devayani, the sentence reinforced her belief in God.
“Just ten minutes before my husband’s shift could end, he was knocked down. Life has been difficult after his death as I am a housewife, while my children are still pursuing their education. For the irreparable loss that she has caused to my family, five-year imprisonment means nothing,” she said.
The state had given a compensation to the family after Shinde’s death. “I am worried about my children’s future,” said Devayani.
Hakim Qureshi, a friend of Makhnojia, said, “Makhnojia had started his life as a waiter and worked his way to a point where he was running a hotel in partnership. He was so happy that he would soon be able to fulfill his dream of owning a house in Mumbai. But, the accident shattered all his dreams.”
Haveliwala’s mother Alifia refused to comment.