23 years on,CSMMU doc gets justice

Special Judge Satish Chandra Singh sentenced both accused to 10 years’ imprisonment and also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each. The third accused,Raj Bahadur Singh — an MLA from Jaunpur — had died a few years ago.

The attack on Johar took place on March 30,1986 in his residence. While Johar was the then unit head of the occupational therapy department,Thakur was the physiotherapist at the plastic surgery department. Both stayed on rent in the same building in the Chowk area.

Thakur was angry because landlord Jagdish Kapoor wanted to sell the house to Johar — who had in turn told the owner that he was ready to buy if the tenants vacate the building.

Thakur,along with two persons,entered Johar’s house,hurling abuses. One of the intruders whipped out a pistol and shot at Johar—hitting him in the chest. Johar tried to flee but the man fired again and this time the bullet hit him in the neck. The intruders then fled the spot.

Johar was taken to the hospital where he worked and he was operated on. The doctors told the family that the bullet that hit him in the neck and had damaged his spine. Johar never recovered from this injury and at theage of 37,he became a quadriplegic,totally dependent on others for even his basic needs.

The police later arrested Thakur. During investigation,they came to know that the other two persons involved in the incident were legislator Raj Bahadur Singh and his gunner Feroz.

Both later surrendered before a court in Jaunpur in a different case. After investigation,the police filed chargesheet against all three for attempt to murder and other charges.

After five months,Johar was discharged from hospital and the family moved to his home town in Delhi. His wife Shashi,who worked in Allahabad Bank,took a transfer to Delhi.

“Since Dr Johar was bedridden and could notmove,on the court’s directiona team was sent to Delhito record his statement,” said public prosecutor Shailesh Kumar Sahi. “We are happy that finally wegot justice,” said Shashi.

After the incident,Johar founded an NGO—Family of Disabled — which worksfor the disabled. With the help of volunteers,the NGO set up ApnaRozgarSchemein 1998with the purpose of helping the physically-challenged toget jobs.

In 1992,Johar launched Voice — India’s first magazineon disability. For his work,hehas received 12 prestigious awards ,including the National Award for the Best Self-Employed Disabled Person,Helen Keller Award and Ramakrishna Jaidayal HarmonyAward