Bilkis Bano Case: Know Why The 11 Convicts From The 2002 Gang Rape Were Released
This Independence Day celebration fizzled out soon as a shocking piece of news was revealed. The rape convicts of the 2002 Bilkis Bano gang rape case were released on the same day. This news has caused outrage all throughout the nation. The woman’s body, All India Progressive Women’s Association, and the Opposition have slammed the Gujarat state government which is BJP-led and have demanded answers as to why the rapists were released. For those who are unversed in the whole case, here are details about it.
The Case
In 2002, Bilkis Bano and her family were fleeing to save their lives as riots had broken out after the Godhra train burning. They were onboard a truck when a mob attacked the truck and killed seven of her family members including her mother and her cousin. They also gang raped her while she was five months pregnant. She had approached the local police station to file a complaint but they dismissed her. Bilkis, then, filed a petition to the Supreme Court through the National Human Rights Commission of India. The SC ordered a CBI inquiry into the case.
She also requested that the case be transferred outside Gujarat because she was being threatened and hence, the case was handed over to the Mumbai court. After the case was handed over, charges were filed against 19 persecutors including six police officers and also a doctor. 11 of them were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2008 on the charges of murder and gang rape.
Why They Were Released Now?
All the 11 convicts were released from Godhra jail on August 15. They have all served 15 years in prison and one of them approached the Supreme Court pleading to be released early. Following this, the SC directed the Gujarat govt to see if they can be released on the basis of the remission policy. The prisoners can only be eligible for the remission if they have good conduct in the prison and have not served any punishment during their prison sentence.
Also read: Bilkis Bano’s Convicted Rapists Welcomed Back To Society With Sweets And Open Arms, A Day After Call To Support Nari Shakti
It is really sad and shocking to see prisoners being released because their behaviour in the prison was apparently good. I cannot begin to imagine what Bilkis must be going through seeing her rapists being set free. Them getting freedom after ruining her whole life is not fair.
