Girl who testified against Kasab awaits school admission

Eleven-year-old Devika Rotawan, who testified against 26/11 convict Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, has alleged that she is being denied admission in a school because she identified the terrorist.

Eleven-year-old Devika Rotawan, who testified against 26/11 convict Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, has alleged that she is being denied admission in a school because she identified the terrorist.

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However, the school has denied the allegations.

Rotawan’s father Natwarlal alleged that the New English School in Bandra (East) had denied admission to Devika because she had been witness against Kasab.

“The school made me visit them on two-three occasions and then finally today they refused admission,” said Rotawan. Rotawan, whose wife passed away four years ago, has two sons — Bharat and Jayesh. Jayesh had studied in New English School.

Amol Dhamdhere, honorary secretary of Indian Education Society which runs the New English School, refuted the allegations. “We salute the girl. But she has studied only till Class 1 and wants admission in Class 5. Besides, she is doesn’t understand English,” said Dhamdhere.

He added that despite this, they were willing to admit the girl provided the state and the education department are willing to help. “Our teachers will put in the extra effort, but that will not be enough. The government and the education department should also give some support,” said Dhamdhere.

He suggested that the education department test her and tell the school in which class to admit her.