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.

Pravinâ€™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 Pravinâ€™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.

Hundreds attend memorial service for Pravin Varughese: Family pleads for justice