Bilkis Bano has asked the Gujarat government to withdraw the move.
New Delhi:
Bilkis Bano, a survivor of one of the most horrific rapes during the 2002 Gujarat riots, said the release of 11 rapists had “shaken” her faith in justice. Her first statement since its release two days ago, alludes to a feeling of deep hurt and betrayal. It has left her “paralysed” and “speechless”, she said.
“How can justice for any woman end up like this? I’ve trusted the highest courts in our country. I trust the system, and I’m learning from it. words to live with my wounds… My sadness and wavering beliefs are not for me alone but for every woman who is fighting for justice in court,” said the woman, who was fighting for justice has spent 18 long years, said.
The brief statement also alludes to shock at the Gujarat government’s move to release the convicts without any of her consultation. “No one questioned my safety and well-being before making such a big and unfair decision,” she said.
There is also a requirement for the government of Gujarat. “Give me back my right to live fearlessly and peacefully. Please make sure that me and my family are kept safe,” statement read.
Attorney Shobha Gupta told NDTV that safety has been a major concern for the woman since the rapists were released. Until the men were jailed, she spent many years in hiding, constantly moving houses. Once released, she was too shocked to consider next steps, to think about safety or any legal steps.
Bilkis Bano was 21 years old when he witnessed the murder of 7 family members. Among them is a three-year-old daughter. Seven other relatives, who she said were also killed, were declared “missing”. The woman was five months pregnant and then gang raped.
A special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Mumbai on January 21, 2008, sentenced 11 people to life in prison on charges of gang rape and murder of seven members of Bilkis Bano’s family in 2002 Gujarat riots. Their conviction was later upheld by the Bombay High Court.
Rapists walked freely as the country celebrated 75 years of Independence on Monday and were greeted with candy, hugs and wreaths by groups linked to the ruling BJP.
Opposition parties have fiercely attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the move, which came within hours after he praised “Nari Shakti” in his Independence Day speech and said it was “a set real face” of New India under BJP.
The Gujarat government has defended its decision to release the 11 men, saying it considers the release under the 1992 policy, as directed by the Supreme Court, as it came into force at the end of the year. judgment 2008.
A later (2014) state policy and another recent center policy – both BJP-run governments – say that those convicted of such heinous crimes should not be released. prefer. “But the 1992 policy, applied here, is no such exception,” said Gujarat Home Minister Raj Kumar.
