College girl stabbed to death: Kopri residents march for justice, father wants case fast-tracked

Recalls day when they went to police station complain that Prachi Zade was being threatened, but the cops took it lightly

More than 1,000 residents gathered at Kopri on Thursday evening to demand justice for Prachi Zade, who was killed by her former boyfriend last month.

Residents take part in the candlelight march on Thursday. They marched from Kopri Bara Bungalow to Anand talkies. (Praful Gangurde/HT)

On August 4, the 20-year-old college student was stabbed to death in a busy stretch on the Eastern Express Highway.

The accused was arrested after a few hours.

Holding candles and placards, the people marched from Kopri bara Bungalow to Anand talkies.

Prachi’s father Vikas Zade, 52, also joined the march.

“We want the case to be tried in fast track court and the accused should be given capital punishment,” he said.

He recalled the day when they went to the police station complain that Prachi was being threatened but the cops took it lightly.

“Police should have acted strictly even if it is an non-cognizable complaint,” Vikas said.

Karan Mahadik, 21, was among the residents who took part in the rally. “We lost a friend but we want safety for other women,” he said.

On Thursday, Prachi’s childhood friend completed 127 km run from Talegaon to Hutatma Chowk in Mumbai. He wants justice for Prachi.

“If the police would have acted more strictly, Prachi would not have been killed. I lost my friend but I want other women to react before it’s too late. I want strict punishment for Prachi’s killer,” said Mandhare.

He added, “Major Kaustubh Rane sacrificed his life for the nation. People with hatred will make country no better place to live.”