Udupi: Kasab's Hanging Brings Solace to Martis Family

Sheeja Moodubelle
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Nov 21: Pakistan national Ajmal Amir Kasab’s death might have evoked a whole lot of reactions across the country, but among the few who have heaved a big sigh of relief is the family of Faustine Basil Martis (47).

Faustine Martis was one of the 10 Taj Hotel employees killed in the 26/11 attack. Valerian Martis and Alice Martis lost their son on November 27.

"Today is a special day because it is Faustine’s mother’s (Alice Martis) birthday and the killer's (Kasab) death day. But we can never get back what we have lost," said Faustine's father at his house at Katingeri,  Moodubelle.

"Although it is a late response from the government, we are happy that the culprit has been finally punished, but we are sad too because by killing him we will not get our son back."

"We pray that God may protect us from evil elements," the family said.

Incidently, Faustine's daughter Priya, also a Taj employee, had escaped death that very night.

Faustine was a head steward at the Sea Lounge restaurant in Taj.

Faustine along with his wife Precilla, daughter and son Floyd had been living in Mumbai for long.  While Faustine had been employed at Taj for 19 years, his daughter Priya had joined the same hotel as receptionist just a month before the tragedy. During the terror attack, both were trapped inside the Taj. While Priya was on the fourth floor, Faustine was in the lower floor. He had called his family members in Moodubelle and said that he was safe and would come back along with daughter. 

"My son wanted to protect my granddaughter, and gave up his own life for her sake," Valerian Martis said.