‘UK police have promised full and fair inquiry’

Pics by Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Shirva, 18 Dec 2012 (DHNS): “I am very tired and exhausted. I am shattered, too. We barely have had strength to grieve ever since the tragedy struck,” said Benedict Barboza, the grieving husband of Jacintha Saldanha, shortly after she was laid to rest at the Our Lady of Health Church cemetery in Shirva on Monday.

 

Speaking on behalf of Ben, his family friend Stephen Almeida said the incidents leading to the tragedy were being investigated by the London metropolitan police who they have assured the family “a full and fair investigation”.

 

 

To a query on whether Jacintha had mentioned about any harassment or pressure on her by any person in her suicide notes, Almeida said the contents of the notes cannot be disclosed at the moment as investigations were on. “We are waiting for the inquest to complete,” he said and declined to comment on the final actions of Jacintha.

 

Legal action

On whether the family was planning legal action against the hospital for allegedly being unfair to Jacintha, he said: “We are looking forward to the inquest to complete. Once that happens, then we will take an appropriate decision.”

 

Almeida said that once the inquest report is received on March 26, the tentative date given, the family will sit together and take a decision.

 

Stating that the family had not decided on any move against the DJs who were reportedly responsible for Jacintha’s death, he said the two DJs had not contacted the family at all.

 

He refused to offer any comment on the compensation package announced by the Australian Radio or the apology sought by them.

 

Almeida read out a note thanking Keith Vaz, the MP (Chairman of the Commons Home Affairs select committee in the UK) for supporting and guiding through hard and difficult times.

 

He also thanked the Indian High Commission in London for assisting in bringing Jacintha’s mortal remains back to India and the British High Commission in India, the Ministry of External Affairs, Member of Parliament Oscar Fernandez, Karnataka Home Minister R Ashok, former chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda and Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Jayaprakash Hegde.

 

He also thanked Udupi Bishop Jerald Isaac Lobo and Our Lady of Health Church Parish Priest Fr Stany Tauro for offering Mass and consoling the family.

 

Benedict said the family had not decided when they would return to London. “We will be there for Christmas,” he said and added that all of them including Junal and Lisha, would return.