Hundreds of people attended a memorial service held at the Mar Thoma Church in Des Plaines,
Illinois, for Pravin Varughese, 19, who was
found dead in suspicious circumstances a year ago in Carbondale, where he was a second year
student at the Southern Illinois University.
Organized by the family and the Pravin Action Council, the
event was a sign of the endless support of the community for the ongoing struggle
for justice and also a warning to the law enforcement authorities for their
inaction. People voiced their concerns that no proper investigation was conducted
in the death so far, in spite of mounting evidences of foul play.
The program began with a prayer by Rev Daniel Thomas, vicar
of the Chicgo Marthoma Church.
The church choir sang songs in English and Malayalam.
Gladson Varghese, convener of the Pravin Action Council welcomed
the guests. Priya and Preethi, sisters of Pravin, remembered the never ending
memories of their beloved, fun loving and only brother. It was a tearful and
emotional experience for the gathering.
Pravin’s cousins, Sumith, Tony and Gigi also shared their
memories of Pravin.
Attorney Jimmy Vachachira updated the progress and
future plans of legal actions.
There are several good human beings who contributed
significantly in the fight for justice. Monika Zukas, radio hostess in Carbondale, did several
shows on the death of Pravin unearthing new details, which kept the issue alive.
Penny Briones, who flew from Dallas
to organize fund raising was another one. Two former police officers, Salvatore
E Rastrelli and Ira B Robins, who are fighting the misconduct and human rights
violations of the police departments, under the name Archangels of Justice, too
have rendered invaluable help in seeking justice for Pravin.
Rastrelli and Robins attended the memorial service and spoke
about the investigation they conducted in the death of Pravin and their
findings. They also outlined the corruption within the criminal justice system in
Carbondale. In
the open discussion, they cleared several doubts and answered the questions
from the audience. It included new information about the mysterious death of
Pravin. Both extended their whole hearted support to the family and promised to
stand together with the family till justice is served.
Sheila Simon, former lieutenant governor of Illinois,
Congressman Danny Davis, Illinois State Rep Lou Lang, Raja Krishna Moorthy, former
deputy state comptroller, Morton Grove Mayor Dan Di Maria, Alderman Jim Brooks,
Scott Lietzow, representing Congressman Bob Dol, Josina Moritam representing
Alderman Ameya Pawar, Latha Ann Kalayil, and Angela Abramite, who was Pravin’s
drama teacher, addressed the audience and announced their continued support for
the efforts to find justice for Pravin.
The officials, guests and audience saluted Lovely Varughese,
who is tirelessly fighting for justice for her son, with a standing ovation. The
apathy and opposition of the authorities did not deter her from her motivation
to seek answers in the death of her son and bring those responsible for it before
law.
Lovely Varughese proposed a vote of thanks saying that they
are touched by the love and support shown by the people, which gives them strength
to continue the fight.
She thanked Almighty for leading the family with strength
and courage in the midst of all these sufferings.
Chicago Malayali community has set an example with its
unity and support for justice for Pravin.
