Bilkis Bano case: Protestors demand arrest of convicts, after they seek time to surrender before SC
Bengaluru: A group of protestors gathered in the city’s freedom park on Thursday, expressing solidarity with the Supreme Court order and demanding immediate arrest of all 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano rape case. The demonstrators also urged that the SC must decline the convicts' appeal for an extension for the surrender deadline.
The Supreme Court on January 08 (Monday) canceled Gujarat government’s order of granting early release to 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case and ordered all the 11 men to surrender to jail authorities within two weeks. However, the convicts appealed before the apex court seeking extension of deadline to surrender citing reasons such as son’s marriage, leg surgery, sole caretaker of parents and others.
Several protestors from different parts of the city participated, calling out slogans in support of Bilkis. “People propagate the idea that women should move ahead in society, however that never happened. Parents are fearing to send their children to school/colleges. The government should ensure that girls feel safe in the country. We demand the immediate arrest of all the 11 convicts, that is why we are demonstrating today,” said a protestor.
Another protestor Vi alias Vandar Kolali, said, “This protest is in solidarity to the SC judgment.” Kolali further condemned Gujarat Government’s release of convicts and the alleged celebration of their release. He remarked, ‘people celebrated the release of convicts, which is so wrong about our country’s current situation, where we openly celebrate the release of criminals walking free. Meantime, the Supreme Court Judgement is a victory for Bilkis and the case and we are all here standing for Bilkis.”
Aysha, a college student participating in the protest, expressed, “The government should not tolerate such crimes and take stringent action on crimes against women.”
Activists from 'Navu Yeddu Niladidare' Madhu Gosh (left), Jaya (Right)
Madhu Bhushan from ‘Navu Yeddu Niladidare campaign,’ noted, “According to media reports some of the convicts are requesting a time of six months to surrender, in six months anything could happen. The remission by the Gujarat Government was fraudulent. Bilkis Bano is still living in fear, she has still not come out in public, she has moved hundreds of houses. While these men are happily roaming around in their houses, what about Bilkis? Does she not deserve to live with freedom and security?”
Condemning convicts being felicitated by RSS activists, Madhu added, “The Government should have initiated action against it, what is the message that the government is trying to give ? This speaks clearly about the politics of this government which has allowed the garlanding and felicitation of the convicts,” she added.
Emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable and minority sections of society, Madhu Bhushan expressed displeasure with the religious politics prevailing in the current scenario.
Meanwhile, 77 year old Rosemary, remarked that “Justice is unequal, while some get justice some don't.” The protests were organized by under the ‘Navu Yeddu Niladidare’ campiagn, with more than 100 protestors gathering at the freedom park.
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BJP stoking communal tensions in Goa, its attempts will not go unchallenged: Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi, Oct 6: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the BJP of deliberately stoking communal tensions in Goa and asserted that the ruling party's attempts will not go unchallenged as the people of the state and the whole of India "see through this divisive agenda".
In a post on X, Gandhi said Goa's appeal lies in its natural beauty and the warmth and hospitality of its diverse and harmonious people.
"Unfortunately, under BJP rule, this harmony is under attack. The BJP is deliberately stoking communal tensions, with a former RSS leader provoking Christians and Sangh organisations calling for an economic boycott of Muslims," the former Congress chief said.
Across India, similar actions by the Sangh Parivar continue with impunity, backed by support from the highest levels, he alleged.
"In Goa, the BJP's strategy is clear: divide the people while exploiting ecologically sensitive areas by illegally converting green land and bypassing environmental regulations - an assault on Goa's natural and social heritage," Gandhi said.
"BJP's attempts will not go unchallenged. The people of Goa and the whole of India see through this divisive agenda and are standing united," he said.
Goa’s appeal lies in its natural beauty and the warmth and hospitality of its diverse and harmonious people.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 6, 2024
Unfortunately, under BJP rule, this harmony is under attack. The BJP is deliberately stoking communal tensions, with a former RSS leader provoking Christians and Sangh…
