Bandra MLA helps 26/11 Mumbai attack witness with funds to tide over rent crisis

MUMBAI: Congress MLA from Bandra East, Zeeshan Siddique, on Sunday presented a cheque of Rs 50,000 to Devika Rotawan, the youngest witness in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks case, towards her house rent after she sought help to clear her pending arrears.
Youngest 26/11 attack witness seeks help to pay rent
Zeeshan said, "I read about her fears of being evicted from her house in Bandra East on Twitter. Devika was a prime witness in the 26/11 trial, and moreover, she lives in Subhash Nagar which falls in my constituency. So I felt a certain responsibility. I visited her house and paid her Rs 50,000 which will take care of her rent for five to six months. I have also requested the CM to allot her a house under a special quota in recognition of her bravery. There are similar precedents which the state can follow."
The 21-year-old girl who studies in Chetna College has now set her sights on meeting Zeeshan's father, former MLA Baba Siddique, as well as actors Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, to press for further financial assistance. Devika has also filed an appeal in court seeking a house from the government "on humanitarian grounds".
Devika said, "MLA Zeeshan Siddique is the first politician in 12 years to visit my house and inquire after our welfare. He sat with my father, brother and me for 30 minutes and gave us a sympathetic hearing. His immediate assistance will help us stay in this house for a few more months."
She claims her father is unable to work for a living owing to a medical condition.
Devika was the one who had identified Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab in court. She affirmed it was he who shot her as she waited for a train to Pune at CSMT railway station with her father and a brother. She was nine years old when the attack befell in 2008.