Hyderabad: Syed Raheem, a survivor of the 2007 Gokul Chat bomb blast, has become the voice for all blast victims in Hyderabad. Now in his 70s, Raheem lost an eye in the explosion while picking up ice cream for his daughter on Aug 25, 2007. But the physical wound was only the beginning.
Every year, he marks the anniversary of the blasts with a silent candlelight protest at the attack sites — a solemn reminder of lives lost and promises forgotten. His demands are consistent: a government pension, 2BHK housing, and health cards for all victims, regardless of injury severity or family status.
“There are many like me who have given up hope after knocking on every govt office door for help,” said Raheem during a gathering at the blast site on Tuesday. “Though I lost only an eye in the blast, it triggered other health issues that continue to affect my family and me. But I refuse to stop fighting. Govts have come and gone, but none have fulfilled the promises made to us.”
Raheem has also urged the state govt to build memorials at all three blast locations as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives.
While welcoming the high court’s verdict in the case, Raheem expressed frustration over the delay in execution of justice. It has been eight years since the trial court awarded the death penalty to the convicts.
“I appeal to the govt to implement the death sentence without delay. Swift action will also serve as a deterrent to those who contemplate such acts,” he said.
Raheem urged the govt to build memorials at all three blast locations as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the blasts
