Kerala: Disha K's struggle just got longer

KOZHIKODE: When Supreme Court during its trial of 'Soumya murder' hinted at the lack of evidence against Govindachami, a family in Kozhikode was sadder. Disha K, 27, hailing from Kakkodi near here had met a similar fate where she was thrown out of a moving train by a person during an attempt to snatch her bag. A media anchor by profession, it was at the peak of her career that her destiny took a U-turn. Luckily in Disha's case, she was not brutally raped and killed. But now left partially paralytic, her career has come to an abrupt end. The robber attacked her while was returning home from Ernakulam on August 8, 2013. She opted for the ladies' compartment for more safety.

After the train had reached Thrissur, she went near the toilet and a tall guy speaking Tamil tried to snatch away her bag demanding money. It ensured a scuffle in which she was pushed off from the train. With grave injuries on head, parts of her brain got affected. Almost three months she lost her memory and was able to tell her family about the incident once she partially started gaining her memory. Till then her parents were of the assumption that it was an accident. But when realised the bitter truth, they registered a case at Pudukad police station and another complaint with the railway police.

But still, the long wait for health care assistance and justice continues. "We have spent almost ' 36 lakh for her treatment in last three years, in which my ex-military health scheme helped, but since the further treatment was with Ayurveda it stopped," said her father Divakaran, a former army man. Mr Divakaran further said that though the family had knocked many doors, the government machinery failed to show mercy. "We even filed an appeal for Chief Minister's relief fund, but to no avail," he said with tears in eyes.

"Now we are running pillar to post to arrange money to continue her treatment. With no money left, I started doing the physiotherapy for my daughter." At present Disha has weakness on the left side of her body with difficulty in walking and opening the left eye that had stopped blinking along with major problems with her working memory. She still urges to be back to her career, though she could only speak and see partially now. She hopes her media friends would help.