Gujarat Riots 2002: Bilkis Bano Statement On 11 Convict Release

Bilkis Bano has insisted on his demand to return his right to live in peace without fear. He requests safety for her family in the statement provided by her.

During the Godhra riots, 11 people were jailed for gang-raping Bilkis Bano, who was five months pregnant and killing seven members of her family in 2002. The accused were sentenced to life imprisonment. But before the completion of the sentence, they were released by the Gujarat government. They have welcomed them with sweets and garlands during their release.

In this case, Bano has emphasized his demand to the Gujarat state government to return her right to live in peace without fear.

In it, "Two days ago, on August 15, the trauma of the past 20 years washed over me again when I heard that the 11 convicts who devastated my family and my life and took away my three-year-old daughter had walked free. I was bereft of words. I am still numb.

Today, I can say only this. How can justice for any woman end like this? I trusted the highest court in our land. I trusted the system, and I was learning slowly to live with trauma. The release of these convicts has taken from me my peace and shaken my faith in justice. My sorrow and my wavering faith is not for myself alone but for every woman who is struggling for justice in the courts.

No one enquired about my safety and well-being before taking such a big and unjust decision. I appeal to the Gujarat Government. Please undo the harm. Give me back my right to live without fear and in peace. Please ensure that my family and I are kept safe." she said in the statement.