7/11 blasts: It still hurts, but lessons have been learnt

Family of an accused suffers no less

Like any other curious six-year-old, young Asim often asks uncomfortable questions. But Asim’s mother, Yasmin Chabiwala, who patiently answers all his questions, finds herself at loss for words whenever the little boy asks about his father’s whereabouts.

Zamir, Asim’s father, was arrested by the ATS almost a year ago for his alleged role in the July 11 blasts. “I have not seen him in the last six months as court proceedings are being held through video-conferencing,” says Yasmin.

The Chabiwalas, residing at Lotus Colony, Worli, are a huge family, consisting of seven members – all of them dependent on Zamir who has spent the last year in jail.

“He was a member of the now-banned Students of Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), before he married me. Post-marriage, however, he quit the group and concentrated on earning for the family,” said Yasmin.

The Chabiwalas blamed the police for all their present woes. Even their neighbours distrust the police since the incident.

“All the accusations are baseless. I know my husband is innocent,” says Yasmin.

At Mominpura, another predominantly Muslim-dominated area in Agripada, a pall of gloom has descended on the Ansari household. Tanvir Ansari, a unani doctor, was arrested for allegedly providing logistical support to terrorists. Ansari was arrested a week after the bomb blasts and is currently languishing at Arthur Roadjail.

Ansari’s mother makes no bones about how she feels about the police. “The only crime that my son committed was being born a Muslim. He’s paying a hefty price for that,” she fumes, refusing to divulge her name. Visitors are unwelcome at the Ansari house. “Go away. We don’t want to speak to anybody. Nobody wants to help us,” says his mother.