New Delhi: The Supreme Court has overturned the remission orders granted by the Gujarat government to 11 convicts involved in the 2002 gangrape of Bilkis Bano and the subsequent killing of her seven family members.
The court’s decision, which led to the release of the convicts on August 15, 2022, was welcomed by Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Member of Parliament from Hyderabad.
Bilkis Bano, who endured a brutal gangrape during the 2002 violence, faced the tragic loss of seven family members. The court’s nullification of the remission orders signifies a crucial step towards justice in this harrowing case.
Owaisi took the opportunity to highlight the challenging journey undertaken by Bilkis Bano, who, despite facing adversity, stood against all odds to seek justice. He pointed out that the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, and his party allegedly supported the rapists from the outset. Bano’s quest for justice was met with government indifference, and Modi, in an alleged attempt to divert attention, shifted the trial to Maharashtra, Owaisi claimed.
He emphasised that this revelation exposed the stance of the saffron party on the matter.
The Supreme Court’s declaration that the Gujarat government had assisted the rapists is a significant indictment, according to Owaisi. He further drew attention to the shocking remark made by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA who referred to the rapists as “sanskari,” implying cultured or well-mannered individuals. Owaisi characterised this statement as reflective of the BJP’s position on the issue.
The quashing of the remission orders by the Supreme Court sheds light on alleged irregularities in the legal process and underscores the imperative of holding those responsible for heinous crimes accountable for their actions.
