Hyderabad: Several sections of the shell-shocked city paid homage to veterinary Dr P. Priyanka Reddy, who was brutally gang-raped and killed three days ago.
Apart from demanding justice, Saturday saw a series of prayer meetings by students, junior doctors and activists while National Institute of Fashion Technology students took out a candlelight march.
In the morning, 150 students and staff of Sindhu Women’s College at Mehdipatnam participated in a meeting organised by the ABVP. Members of the Students Islamic Organization offered condolences to the family and called upon the society to change their mindset with regard to women.
Floral tributes were offered to photographs of Dr Reddy across educational institutions. Students spoke about the inadequate safety measures for women and SOS initiatives when their lives are in danger. While on the one hand, a lot of them came together to offer prayers, there were many others who were angry. Protests were held in parts of Old City, Nizam College and also by student wings demanding that the government must take strict action against the accused.
Chilkur Balaji temple suspended darshan and pradakshinas for 20 minutes to condemn the heinous act and the dismal response of society. The temple priests said that it was very sad to note that a lone girl was struggling near the toll plaza and no one came responded to her distress calls. “Why could not even one person get out of his car and inquire whether she needed any help?”
Priests stated that the temple was closed like when it is during eclipses, darshan and pradakshinas were stopped.
A huge crowd gathered as the priests came outside the temple.
