Kumbakonam:
It's been seven years since more than 90 children were killed in a school fire in Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, but the trial in the tragic case is yet to begin. Most of the children died on the spot and were in the age-group of eight to ten.
Three of the twenty-four accused have already been discharged.
Sushmita, who studied in class III was one among those burnt alive. Unable to bear the loss, her father Kannan died in a few years.
"Law does not take its course. Nor are we allowed to do something. Atleast the Centre should do something," says Madhumita, Sushmita's sister.
The teachers who ran away without saving children's lives have found new jobs. The owner of the school and officials accused of giving false certificates are out on bail. As memories of the tragedy remain fresh, hope of justice is fading for parents.
Mahesh, Victim's father, says, "Every night our children come in our dreams and call us. So many have developed mental problems."
From Kumbakonam to Kolkata, clearly, no lessons yet from such disasters.