MACHILIPATNAM, 29 JAN

The father of a 23-year-old slained woman software engineer from Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday reacted to the Supreme Court acquitting his daughter's alleged killer, saying he will "leave it to God," and wondering what he can do.

The apex court on Tuesday, acquitted Chandrabhan Sudam Sanap, citing 'gaping holes' in the prosecution case and observed that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Esther Anuhya, 23, who had just returned to Mumbai after a two-week Christmas and New Year holiday, was found dead near Kanjur Marg on 16 January, 2014.

She was employed with TCS in Mumbai and was last seen exiting the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus railway station.

Later, the police arrested Sanap for raping and murdering Anuhya. Following the court trial and conviction, he was awarded a death sentence, which was also upheld by the Bombay High Court.

"Actually, we were not aware of what was happening. We also do not know that he (Sanap) approached the Supreme Court," Anuhya's father S Jonathan Prasad told PTI.

 "It was 10 years back. What to say? 10 years back we appreciated that some justice was done. Again, I recollect my sorrowful days 10 years back, how I suffered in Mumbai," he said.

He noted that he does not wish to pursue the case anymore as he wants to spend his last days in peace.

 "No sir, I cannot do that. I am 70 plus. It is difficult for me to move from my place. I am a retired man and my wife is diabetic. So, I don't think I can approach at this age," he said, on the prospect of a review petition in the Supreme Court.