Sydney, 7th March, 2016
People assembled at Prabha’s Walk (Lane Way in Parramatta Park connecting Amos Street and Pitt Street) at 7 PM on 7th March, 2016.
I conducted the proceedings, as the co-ordinator of the Vigil.
The remembrance Vigil was to remember and reflect on the brutal murder of Ms Prabha Arun Kumar at 9.30 PM on Saturday, 7th March, 2015, while she was walking from Parramatta Station to her home in Amos Street, Westmead, after finishing the double shift of work that day. Murderer (s) have not been caught yet.
I spoke about the summary of the developments so far since 7th March, 2015. I outlined that from media reports and from Police comments, we know that the motives of Prabha’s brutal murder were not robbery and sexual assault. It was a well-planned and pre-meditated murder. I also said that we are not concerned about who they are, where they live and what their motives were. We just want them to be found, arrested and brought to justice.
About 50 people were present.
Parramatta MP, Mr Geoff Lee, Parramatta Police LAC Commander, Mr Wayne Cox, newly-arrived Consul General of India, H.E. Mr B. Vanlalvuwna and Mr Rajeev Kumar, Vice Consul, Consulate General of India were present.
People walked down in a silent procession from Amos Street side of Laneway (now called Prabha’s Walk) and assembled at the site of the Plaque with the name of Ms Prabha Arun Kumar, which was installed last year.
After welcoming the people, I asked Geoff Lee MP, Commander Wayne Cox and Consul General H.E. Mr B. Vanlalvuwna to say a few words.
Mr Lee talked about the lighting and CCTV installation in the Lane Way after Prabha’s death. He wished that culprits are caught soon.
Mr Cox said that Police are working very hard to crack this heinous crime. There is a specific Unit which is working tirelessly to catch the culprits.
Mr Vanlanvuwna said that he has joined the Consulate only 2 weeks ago, but the file of Prabha’s brutal slaying was the first one he went through to apprise himself of the matter.
A few other members from the community expressed their feelings and sadness. They included Rekha Rajvansi and Sashi Lal. Arti Banga of http://www.DesiAustralia.com and Indira Devi of Blacktown Voice provided commendable support.
Mr Pravin Gupta read out his emotional poem dedicated to Prabha and her daughter, Meghna.
Ms Jaala Edmunds, a woman who lives in the area, laid flowers on the park bench dedicated in Prabha’s memory. She said “I was touched when this happened and very shocked her last moments were spent here. I never met her but I always think about her.”
This was followed by a minute’s silence to reflect on what happened to Prabha and grief of Prabha’s family, especially her daughter, Meghna.
Flowers and Candles were placed at the bench, which has the Plaque on the name of Prabha.
National Media, local media and a few from Indian ethnic media were present.
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I have received this message from Prabha’s brother, Dr Shanker Shetty.
“Hello Dr Singh. I am touched by the effort taken by you and the your team in organising the vigil. I watched the video online and was moved by the no of people who remembered Prabha even a year after she left Parramatta.
The tributes online and in the newspapers are reflective of the way the community has been affected by the incident and the way they have responded to this tragic incident.
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http://www.parramattasun.com.au/story/3775192/prabha-remembered-at-community-vigil/
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Dr Yadu Singh/Co-ordinator, Prabha’s Remembrance Vigil, held on 7th March, 2016
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