So, choosing to represent the family pro bono was a move that came naturally to her. "They needed me. It was a critical time because there was involvement of political leaders, investigation was hushed up and evidence destroyed. The matter was taken up in the high court when we filed a writ petition for monitoring the case. And, if you see the orders, all the arrests, except a few, have been made, all thanks to the orders of the high court," she says.

By offering legal support to the victim's family, Rajawat went against two state ministers who defended the accused. She recalls how the threats and intimidation made her fear for her safety. "They have tried to damage me to the core by casting aspersions on my character and called me 'anti national', making it difficult for me to even rent a home with my daughter. Her education has been affected. Nobody knows of the sacrifices," she says. She hasn't regretted the decision. "It's my duty as an activist and lawyer." And her faith in the judiciary remains intact. "Justice will be done," she says.

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