‘Ombale’s killer should have been publicly hanged’

Wednesday came as a surprise for assistant sub inspector Tukaram Ombale's family after the news broke that Ajmal Amir Kasab, the dreaded Pakistani terrorist, whom Ombale had nabbed while sacrificing his life, was finally executed. Eknath Ombale, brother of the martyr speaks to Saurabh Joshi.

Even four years after the death of assistant sub inspector Tukaram Ombale, the family is still under severe mental trauma.

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However, Wednesday came as a surprise for the Ombales after the news broke that Ajmal Amir Kasab, the dreaded Pakistani terrorist, whom Ombale had nabbed while sacrificing his life, was finally executed. Kasab was hanged to death at the Yerawada prison in Pune, early Wednesday.

The Ombale family, who reside at the Worli police line, were unavailable for any comment, however, Ombale’s cousin brother Eknath welcomed the development.

While talking with HT, Eknath Ombale, 40 said, “Better late than never. Kasab’s death is a tribute to all the civilians and policemen who died in the 26/11 terror attack. It was shameful that the state spent crores on a person who had killed hundreds of Indians.”

“Following the death of my brother Tukaram, his family had been under severe stress. While two of his daughters had already been married, two young daughters were studying when the incident took place. His third daughter Vaishali, 28, was worst hit by the loss of her father. She still cannot control herself and her health takes a hit whenever the topic comes up. Since Tukaram’s death, Vaishali has been under medication for her ill health,” added Eknath.

The relatives also said that the law need to be amended to bring to book such dreaded criminals. “It was wrong that Kasab was secretly taken out of Mumbai and was hanged at a secluded location. A terrorist like Kasab should have been hanged in full public view in Mumbai,” Eknath said.

One of the neighbours of Ombales, Sujata Shinde, 45, said, “Both the daughters (Vaishali and Bharati) supported their mother in bad times. The family has faced hardships following the death of Tukaram Ombale. I was happy to hear that Ombale’s killer was finally hanged to death.”