THE FATHER of an IAF corporal, who was run over by a speeding Audi on January 13 during the Republic Day parade rehearsal in Kolkata, has sought an impartial probe and severe punishment for the guilty. “We want a free and fair investigation by the West Bengal government into the death of my son and the accused, who is a highly influential person, should be punished severely,” said Ranglal Gaud, the father of Abhimanyu Gaud, who was killed after being run over by the vehicle, which was allegedly driven by the son of former West Bengal MLA Mohammed Sohrab. Police in Kolkata have issued a lookout notice against Mohammed Sohrab and his sons Ambia Sohrab and Sambia Sohrab — all of whom are untraceable since the incident. [related-post] Abhimanyu, the youngest of three brothers, had joined the IAF two years ago. He was working as a ground training instructor and was posted in Kalaikunda. His body was brought to his house in Godadhra area here Thursday night and cremated after a guard of honour by the IAF. Ranglal, a carpenter by profession, said, “I received a call from the IAF headquarters in Kolkata on Wednesday around 7.30 am. I was shocked as the officer at the other end told me that my son Abhimanyu met with an accident and passed away. We immediately left for Ahmedabad by train and from there we took a flight to Kolkata Wednesday evening. We returned home on Thursday.” Abhimanyu had visited Surat last December and stayed for a fortnight. His brother Bajrang said, “He told me that he will bear all the financial expenses and pressured me to work hard and crack the UPSC exams. Till now, neither the West Bengal government nor the police department has called us to inform about the status of the investigation. We came to know that the car owner is a very powerful person and a politician. We demand that strict action be taken against the accused.”
