Bilkis Bano case: SC seeks Gujarat Government's reply in the gang-rape case

The Supreme Court sought a detailed reply from the Gujarat Government within four weeks in connection with Bilkis Bano gang-rape case.

The apex court also directed the Gujarat Government to appraise it about the departmental action taken against the policemen found guilty of negligence of duty.

During the hearing the victim also submitted in the court that she wanted enhancement of compensation. To this the apex court directed her to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP).

In March 2002, Bilkis Bano was gang-raped and left for dead alongside 14 members of her family, including her 3-year-old daughter, during the Gujarat riots. She was then five months pregnant, when rioters attacked her in Vadodara.

She had approached the local police station to register a case against the assailants. However, the police dismissed her case and threatened her of dire consequences if she proceeded with the matter.

She then approached the National Human Rights Commission of India and filed a petition in the apex court.

The matter was later shifted to Bombay High Court following which charges were filed against 19 men, including 6 police officers and a government doctor.

In January 2008, 11 of them were sentenced to life imprisonment for gang-rape and murder.

-ANI