R.K. Shah, special public prosecutor in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case, on Thursday described her case as unique and said it was “only based on her testimony, which she gave very effectively.”
At a function in Ahmedabad, Shah said it was the only case of 2002 riots in which policemen have been convicted. This, he said, raises the question as to how far the state machinery was involved in the riots.
Bano, who felicitated Shah on behalf of civic society groups, expressed satisfaction over the fact that policemen and two doctors were convicted. The CBI had taken over the case and the Mumbai High Court recently delivered a judgment upholding conviction of 11 persons for raping Bano and convicted seven for tampering with the evidence.
Shah recommended that police be trained in investigating cases and public prosecutors in delivering justice promptly. “I do not believe that there has to be a woman judge or woman public prosecutor for getting justice,” he said.
According to him, a combination of good police investigation, competent public prosecuting and a sensitive judge led to justice in Bilkis Bano case. He pointed out that the cross-examination in the case lasted for 22 days and 73 witnesses were also examined.
Nayana Bhatt, who assisted Shah as assistant public prosecutor, said at the outset the defense had said that there was no chance of conviction as there were contradictions in Bano's statements. “We represented the case,” she said.
Bhatt, who also helped in getting justice for Patan gangrape victim years ago, had a warning for the investigating agency. “The investigating agency should remain alert. Due to some influence or whatever, they might be acquitted but as the case goes further, the same does not happen,” she said.
Bano reiterated her stand that she did not want capital punishment for the convicts. She said she was very happy that the policemen and doctors were convicted.
For the last 15 years, Bano and her family have been changing homes in Gujarat and outside due to threats from various quarters.
Her husband Yakub, who stood by her in her fight for justice, said they would wait for the state government to give her compensation and if need be they would approach the court.
