I have known Professor Dr Papiya Ghosh and her sister Mrs. TukTuk Ghosh IAS for the past 32 years ever since I joined the MA course in History at the University of Delhi way back in 1975. Papiya will always be remembered as an excellent and warm hearted person ever willing to help her colleagues. I was utterly shocked and traumatised at her brutal murder along with her live in maid, Malti Devi. I cannot imagine why anyone in the world would like to harm such a person as Papiya. She has earned a reputation for herself as a dedicated researcher in the field of Modern Indian History. Her students will miss a good teacher and the country has lost a leading historian.
The crime needs to be investigated and the criminals who perpetrated this ghastly act be brought to justice. From the Reports that have been published it appears that the police in Patna are treating this as a robbery and murder. However, all aspects need to be investigated and the academic community reassured that such crimes will not go unpunished.
My deepest condolence to Dr (Mrs) Tuk-Tuk Ghosh, her younger sister and the rest of the family.
Bahu Virupaksha, Pondicherry – Dec. 5, 2006