This Article is From Apr 24, 2009

Akriti's death: The unanswered questions

New Delhi:

What is the truth behind Akriti's death? There are many unanswered questions, perhaps none more important than why it took Modern School over an hour to take Akriti to the nearest hospital.

Akriti had an asthma attack at 11:10 am. But she left school at 11:10 am. And perhaps, it is these questions that are keeping this young movement going.

Huddled together keeping alive Akriti with their memories are her friends.

Mallika was one of Akriti's best friends -  the 18-year-old became the face of the tragedy when she and her friends took a stand against the school and alleged that the school had been negligent in providing treatment to Akriti when she had an asthma attack on Monday.

"It's sad that in our country unless we protest or shout our voice is not heard," Mallika says.

Many parents and students have come out strongly in protest and are determined to get justice for Akriti.

"She was my best friend. She died in my arms. I don't think I'll ever be able to cope with this. I am not against the school. I've grown up there but I'll stand up for what is right. My friend could have been saved," says Akarshika, another friend of Akkriti's.

But it is a bitterly divided movement. Away from the protests, there is a section of parents and students who are supporting the school and principal

"My child collapsed in school once and the school did all they could to help him. It is because of the school that my child is alive today," says Kanupriya Arora, a parent.

The school is closed until Monday but students protesting for Akriti say they will not go back till the principal resigns

It is the shock of their dear friend's death that has given these students the courage to fight and they say their fight will continue until they get justice.

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