‘Something Is Wrong With Society’: Javed Akhtar Condemns Release Of Bilkis Bano’s Convicted Rapists
The release of Bikis Bano’s rape convicts has left a bitter aftertaste in the mouths of the majority of Indians. Over 6,000 citizens, including grassroot workers, women, and human rights activists, have urged the Supreme Court to remove sentences for 11 men convicted of rape and murder in the 2002 Bilkis Bano case.
“The remission of sentences for the 11 men convicted of gang rape and mass murder will have a chilling effect on every rape victim who is told to ‘trust the system’, ‘seek justice’, and ‘have faith,’” they said in a joint statement.
He joined the bandwagon of those frustrated about the 11 men’s release after they were charged and convicted for the murder of Bilkis Bano’s family members and her rape when she was five months pregnant.
On August 15, all 11 defendants found guilty and given life sentences in connection with the 2002 post-Godhra Bilkis Bano gang rape case left the Godhra sub-jail.
“Those who raped a 5-month pregnant woman after killing 7 of her family, including her 3-year-old daughter, were set free from the jail offered sweets and were garlanded. Don’t hide behind whatabouts . Think !! Something is seriously going wrong with our society.”
A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Mumbai on January 21, 2008, sentenced the 11 to life imprisonment on charges of gang rape and murder of seven members of Bilkis Bano’s family. The Bombay High Court later upheld their conviction.
On Monday, the 11 defendants—Radheshyam Shah, Jaswant Chaturbhai Nai, Keshubhai Vadaniya, Bakabhai Vadaniya, Rajibhai Soni, Rameshbhai Chauhan, Shaileshbhai Bhatt, Bipin Chandra Joshi, Govindbhai Nai, Mitesh Bhatt, and Pradip Modhiya.
After their release from jail, the prisoners were welcomed with garlands at the Vishwa Hindu Parishad office.
Bilkis Bano was 21 years old and five months pregnant when she was gang-raped while fleeing the violence that broke out after the Godhra train burning. Among those killed was her 3-year-old daughter.
(With agency inputs)
