Bilkis Bano case: MSCW slams release of 11 convicts

SHILLONG, Aug 25: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) on Thursday condemned the travesty of justice meted out to Bilkis Bano with the pre-mature release of the 11 gang rapist and murderers in Gujarat.
In a statement, MSWC said, “It is shocking to learn that these men guilty of gang rape and murder were freed, while the country celebrated its 75th Independence Day – wherein we celebrate the freedom, the citizens of India have gained from the chains of oppression and discrimination.”
According to the commission, the act of releasing the convicted accused is a step back in time where women were oppressed and violated for their sex, and feelings of being unsafe in one’s own land was a reality.
“We strongly stand with the action of the state of Gujarat in convicting the accused and ensuring the redressal of crimes against women but we fear this lenient approach towards the convicted perpetrators will set a damaging precedent for the future which is a blatant mockery to our criminal justice legal system,” the MSCW said.
The commission observed that this remission is a mockery of the Centre’s motto of Nari Shakti which was proudly spoken of by the Prime Minister during his Independence Day speech.
“This case is categorized as rarest of the rare case and we are greatly devastated and demotivated to fight for women’s right, empowerment and justice in an environment where women are being oppressed and suppressed – physically, mentally and morally,” it said.