In the Bilkis Bano case related to the Gujarat riots, all 11 accused voluntarily surrendered on Sunday night in Godhra’s sub-jail. The Supreme Court had revoked their exemption from punishment on January 8, instructing them to surrender by January 21. Inspector N.L. Desai confirmed that the accused appeared before prison authorities late Sunday night and surrendered. The individuals facing charges related to the mass rape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of seven members of her family had sought surrender and requested time in the Supreme Court. In their plea, the accused cited health concerns and family responsibilities. However, the apex court dismissed the plea, directing them to surrender by the predetermined date.
The 11 accused who surrendered include Bakabhai Vohaniya, Vipin Chandra Joshi, Kesarbhai Vohaniya, Govind Nai, Jaswant Nai, Mitesh Bhatt, Pradeep Mordiya, Radheshyam Shah, Rajubhai Soni, Ramesh Chandana, and Shailesh Bhatt. Notably, the Gujarat government had pardoned all these individuals.
The Bilkis Bano case gained prominence for its heinous nature, involving a collective crime of mass rape and the brutal killing of her family members during the Gujarat riots. The accused had earlier been exempted from punishment, but the Supreme Court’s intervention overturned the leniency.
It is essential to note that the accused, having surrendered in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive, will now face legal proceedings as the judicial process takes its course. The development in this high-profile case has rekindled discussions about justice, accountability, and the need for stringent legal actions in cases of communal violence and crimes against humanity.
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