She died long ago, says social activist Pinky Virani

Mumbai: Social activist and writer Pinky Virani termed the demise of KEM nurse Aruna Shanbaug’s Monday morning as her ‘legal death’, as according to her the latter had died long ago. Ms Virani, however, pointed out that Aruna had gifted law on passive euthanasia (in special cases) to the country and no body would have to die slow and painful death henceforth.

“Today was just her legal death but she had died on November 27, 1973 itself when she was raped, sodomised and left to die. Her body parts deteriorated day by day and finally she died a slow and painful death,” Ms Virani told Deccan Chronicle. Ms Virani had written a book narrating Shanbaug’s sexual assault and her physical trauma after going into coma.

Ms Virani had approached the Supreme Court seeking euthanasia for Aruna who was in a vegetative state for over 40 years. In its decision, the court allowed euthanasia in certain cases and left it to the KEM staff to take the decision about Aruna.

“She has given greatest gift to Indians. Euthanasia is now legally recognised in our country. The Supreme Court allowed euthanasia for Aruna, but left the decision with the people who were taking care of her. It was said by the court that if they wanted to change their mind they were permitted to approach to the Bombay high court,” Pinky Virani said.

Elaborating more on the judgment, Virani said the court has permitted euthanasia in special cases such as brain death, if a patient is on ventilator or in a vegetative state.