IC814 hijack: Rupin Katyal's widow Rachna remarried, and her father-in-law did her kanyadan

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Rachna Katyal was returning from her honeymoon with her husband, Rupin Katyal when their flight was hijacked. Her 21-day marriage ended with the passing of Rupin, who was brutally killed on 'IC 814'. The terrorists demanded the release of three militants held in Indian jails, using the passengers' lives as leverage in their negotiations with the Indian government.

On the first night of the hijacking, the terrorists singled out Rupin, separating him from Rachna and brutally murdering him to demonstrate their resolve. Rachna, unaware of her husband's fate, endured days of terror, believing that Rupin was still alive and in hospital. Her world shattered when she learned the truth.

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Finding Strength in Family

After the traumatic incident, Rachna found herself grappling with profound grief and loss. The Katyal family, who had also lost their only son, embraced Rachna as their own daughter. Rachna had once revealed that her in-laws became her greatest support. They treated her as their own daughter.

Rupin's father, Chander Mohan Katyal, and his wife were determined to not let the tragedy ruin Rachna's life. They saw in her a daughter who had to be protected and nurtured, especially after witnessing such brutality.

In a heartfelt revelation, Rachna had once shared how the Katyal family helped her through the darkest days of her life. "Today they are dearer to me than anyone else and we have, in a way, come closer because of the immense tragedy we have shared. Our grief cannot be assuaged. My in-laws have accepted the fact that their son is no more and they have now devoted their life to my welfare. They say, 'All we have is Rachna and she is our daughter now and we have to rebuild her life.'"

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The Decision to Rebuild

Recognizing that Rachna was young and had a life ahead of her, Chander Mohan Katyal made a profound decision to help her rebuild her life. Understanding the importance of moving forward, he encouraged Rachna to remarry and start afresh. "I was in no condition to take any decisions. Since I had been brought up in a small town and I was quite young (just 21 when I got married) my exposure to the outside world at that point was minimal. It was my father-in-law who, after discussing it with my mother-in-law, decided that I could not just spend the rest of my life in mourning," Rachna reflected.

Chander Mohan Katyal's decision was not just about giving Rachna a new lease on life; it was also about performing an act of love and compassion that is rare in its selflessness. In a significant move, he approached Indian Airlines and requested them to consider employing Rachna. Her father-in-law’s advocacy and Rachna’s own determination to move forward saw her securing a job with the airlines. "Rachna, who was a graduate of Rohtak University, was able to secure a job in the airlines. Her work helped her get back on in life and gave her the motive to restart her life for the better."

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A New Beginning

With the support of her in-laws and her own inner strength, Rachna began to piece her life back together. She embraced her new role with the airlines, finding purpose and a sense of belonging. She shared, "Both mummy and papa (that is what I call Rupin's parents) want me to study as much as I can. Mummy takes care of all the household responsibilities so I don't have to worry about anything. I too am very keen to become a career person. Ever since I have started working, I feel I have changed immensely. I am much more confident and outgoing as a person. I feel my life once again has a purpose."

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In 2001, just two years after the hijacking, Rachna took another bold step forward with the full support of her in-laws. She remarried, finding love and companionship once more. This time, her father-in-law performed the Kanyadaan, a Hindu ritual signifying the giving away of the bride, which is traditionally done by the bride’s own father. "Kanyadaan is the most important ritual in a Hindu marriage. It is considered the biggest daan a person can do to give away their daughter. Rachna got married to Rupin on December 3, 1999, and lost him while returning from his honeymoon. It was her in-laws who encouraged Rachna to get remarried in 2001. Her father-in-law, Chander Mohan Katyal, performed her Kanyadaan. Her father-in-law said: 'I gave my daughter Rachna away in marriage. Like any parent, we wanted to see our daughter settled in life.'"

Moving Forward

Rachna’s second marriage marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Two years after the unfortunate incident, she married an MNC manager and started a family. She reportedly delivered her first child in 2002, finding joy and meaning in motherhood. The Katyal family's support and her own resilience enabled her to transform her life from one marked by tragedy to one filled with hope and promise.