Swaggering In Cold

As expected, Aftab Ansari and six of his aides convicted in the January 22, 2002 American Center, Kolkata attack, have been given the death sentence. But the 'dignified coldness' of the prime convict, Ansari leaves one and all startled. This rank criminal with an ironical swagger is least repentant for his misdeeds. One wonders whether the real purpose behind punishment is at all being served. The society is being purged off such malicious elements, but is the exemplary punishment still being able to prevent the creation of criminals to any noticeable extent? Mere removal of miscreants will not reform the society. The crimes themselves have to rooted out. We need corruption-free national leaders, not necessarily political, to meet that end.