Under the moonlight and the glow of candles, about 150 friends and neighbors banded together to support the Anands, a South Asian American family of seven burned out of their Concord home by an arsonist.
While the crowd witnessed the family’s homecoming, friends of the family demonstrated concern over the prosecution of this crime.
So far, police have arrested a suspect, Gregg Ogan, but Contra Costa County District Attorney Robert Kochly has yet to file any charges.
On Sept. 3, Ogan — a stranger to the Anands — came to their door saying he was a neighbor’s acquaintance and asked to use the family’s telephone. Over the next two days, he visited the family several times, asking to use the telephone or for something to eat or drink. Despite the Anands’ hospitality, he began to make comments about their ethnicity, which the family felt were attacks on their race and beliefs.
Ogan angrily left on Sept. 5 after the Anands declined further help. On that evening, the Anands returned from temple to find their home of 14 years ablaze. Ogan allegedly desecrated the Anands’ religious shrine, entered their house and stole various items before setting the residence on fire.
After an investigation, the police recommended charging Ogan with arson and burglary. However no charges have been filed to date.
“While we have gathered here to support the Anands after this great tragedy, we must not forget to also demand justice on their behalf,” said Meetali Jain, president of the South Asian Bar Association of Northern California.
Edwin Prather of Rogers Joseph O’Donnell & Phillips, the family’s pro bono counsel, explained to the crowd the status of the criminal case and shared some of the discussions he had with the district attorney.
“Community support has been essential in allowing the Anands this homecoming,” Prather said.
“Thank you to everyone from the bottom of our hearts for your support,” said Jasleen Anand, 22. “My brother used to have nightmares and was afraid to visit our house. Now, we are all able to come home.”
Jasleen’s mother, Manjeet Anand, broke down in gratitude over the show of community support. She later said, “We are not a rich family. I work at a deli, and my husband is a deliveryman. We have worked hard to build this home for our children. Now it is all gone. I cannot express my gratitude for this show of support.”
“The Concord community must let the district attorney know that the Anand family deserves justice,” said Malcolm Yeung of the Asian Law Caucus. He encouraged the community to fax the district attorney by going to www.asianlawcaucus.org.