Crime Patrol: Youth Activism in Response to Mumbai Murders: Friends of the Deceased Take Action (Episode 59 on 18 November 2011)

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The Inside Story

The Reality of Bystander Apathy in Mumbai: Keenan Santos' Girlfriend Speaks Out

Mumbai, Maharashtra - Nov 3, 2011

Four accused who were arrested for the murder of two young boys who tried to protest eve-teasing in Mumbai, have finally confessed their crime. The four accused detailed the gruesome incident while accepting the fact that they had stabbed 29-year-old Reuben Fernandez and 24-year-old Keenan Santos. Mumbai court, however, extended the police custody for one day, though police sought 14-day police custody for the accused. The police also discovered the murder weapon.

The two deceased along with five other friends, including three girls, were waiting outside a pan shop in Andheri on Oct 20. Meanwhile, four drunken men started harassing the girls, and the two groups engaged in a deadly fight in which Fernandez and Santosh were brutally stabbed. With the incident shocking the nation, the murder stunned all, especially the youth in the country. A Facebook campaign has been launched to bring to justice those involved in the heinous crime. The campaign has evoked responses with as many as 20,000 fans trying to force authorities to take just action.

The incident also saw another stark reality emerge when Priyanka Fernandes, Keenan Santos' girlfriend, said that no one in the area came forward to help them. Friends of the duo have come forward to ensure that such incidents do not repeat on the streets of Mumbai.

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