A Mumbai nurse, Aruna Shanbaug, who was raped in 1973 by a hospital staff member at the KEM Hospital on Monday (May 18) died after being in coma for 42 years.
A resident of Haldipur, Karnataka, Aruna was sexually assaulted by a ward boy at the hospital while changing clothes in the basement. Since then Aruna has been in a vegetative state.
Image courtesy: http://3.bp.blogspot.com
Timeline of tragic life
1) Aruna moved from Haldipur to Mumbai in early 1970s. She lived in Worli along with her sister.
2) On November 27, 1973 , a ward named Sohanlal Bhartha brutally raped her and reportedly choked her with a chain.
3) In June 1980, a bunch of municipal officials tried to free the bed that Shanbaug was occupying at the KEM hospital. However, the nurses protested.
4) In 2010, activist Pinki Virani rallied for Aruna. The Supreme Court heard Pinki’s mercy killing plea and agreed to examine the situation. However, later the Apex Court rejected Pinki’s plea, but passed a landmark judgement allowing passive euthanasia.
5) In 2013, a Malayalam movie based on Aruna’s life titled ‘Maram Peyyumpol’ was made.
6) After suffering from Pneumonia for a week, on May 18, 2015 Aruna passes away.
Here are some of the twitter reactions following Aruna’s death:
Finally Aruna is free. Aruna Shanbaug, who was in coma since 1973, passes away. https://t.co/F6iZhSSL8q
