Bano said “I’m still numb” on the release of her 11 rapists….
One of the most horrific rape cases during the 2002 Gujarat riots has come to a terrible end as the 11 rapists of the Bilkis Bano case are released. She said their release has ‘shaken’ her faith in Justice. Visuals have emerged with relatives greeting the convicts with sweets and Charan-Sparsh - touching their feet for blessings- outside the Godhra jail.
The Gujarat government approved the release of these 11 rapists under its remission policy and the 11 convicts got out of jail on Monday, having served 15 years. This is contrary to the guidelines provided by the Centre that such special remissions should not be given to rapists.
Her statement hinted sense of deep betrayal and hurt by the conviction of her rapists. Bilkis in her statement said that “How can justice for any woman end like this? I trusted the highest courts in our land.
I trusted the system and I was learning slowly to live with my trauma… my sorrow and my wavering faith are not for myself alone but for every woman who is struggling for justice in courts”. Her statement said that she feels shocked and betrayed by the government’s move without her consultation. She said that “no one enquired about my safety and well-being before taking such a big and unjust decision”. She added that “give me back my right to live without fear and in peace. Please ensure that my family and I are kept safe”.
The rapists walked free out of jail on Monday and were greeted with garlands, sweets and hugs by groups linked to the ruling BJP party.
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