Parliament attack heroine, now a sweeper

On the day of the Parliament attack, home guard Radha Chauhan, rushed to the rescue of a CRPF constable, Kamlesh Yadav. But what followed was neither recognition nor reward – only 11 years of hardship. Jatin Anand reports.

On the day of the Parliament attack, home guard Radha Chauhan, now 35, rushed to the rescue of a CRPF constable, Kamlesh Yadav. But what followed this bit of heroism was neither recognition nor reward — only 11 years of hardship and running around for assistance.

A-file-photo-of-Radha-Chouhan-a-victim-of-the-attack-on-parliament-in-the-year-2002-now-working-as-a-sweeper-in-PWD--New-Delhi-HT-Sonu-Mehta

On December 13, 2001, Chauhan, was posted outside Gate No 5 of Parliament. “I was assisting a traffic inspector when I saw a speeding ambassador enter the premises, spraying bullets all around. As we ran inside, I saw a woman, who turned out to be Yadav of the CRPF’s 88th Battalion, and ran to shield her,” said Chauhan, who now works as a contractual sweeper.

Thereafter, all went downhill for Chauhan. After 10 days in hospital she went back to work, only to be told that her contract had expired and she was ineligible for compensation as she was alive.

Around that time, her husband was diagnosed with tuberculosis and died five years later.

“I’ve approached everyone, from party presidents to chief ministers as well police officials, but no one helped.”