Indian woman death: Govt summons Irish envoy

M Ganapathi of the external affairs ministry summoned the Irish ambassador Feilim McLaughlin on Friday and expressed "India's concern and angst about the untimely and tragic death of Savita Halappanavar" who was denied an abortion.

While McLaughlin said Ireland would provide the fullest cooperation in follow-up inquiries into the circumstances of Savita's death, Ganapathi said the inquiry instituted should be independent.

Ganapathi was also assured that the Indian ambassador in Dublin would be kept abreast of the progress made and outcome of the case. McLaughlin added that the process of framing the terms of reference of the inquiry was ongoing and would be released shortly.

Savita Halappanavar is seen in an undated family photo in Galway, Ireland. Reuters/Irish Times/HO

State Government indifferent: family
Savita's family still reeling from her death after she was denied an abortion on grounds of Ireland's anti-abortion law, said the Karnataka government had not taken a pro-active stand on the issue.

Savita's mother, Akkamma Devi, said, "people in Delhi and Ireland are fighting against the law of Ireland and demanding it be changed. But our own state government is not responding though the girl from the state was killed in Ireland because of the inhuman law of that nation. I won't request them to do anything and it is up to them to act."

"My only wish is that such a thing should not happen to any other woman. We have lost our daughter," she added.

Belgaum deputy commissioner V Anbukumar, however, said the state government and district administration were ready to provide any help to Savita's family. He said the state government was in touch with the Centre on the issue and that he had shared the condolence message of the Karnataka government with Savita's father.

"Even CM Jagadish Shettar had spoken to them. If they require any legal help, the government is ready to provide."