Verdict in 2005 Bilkis Bano trial expected on Jan 18

Mumbai, Jan 18: The Additional Sessions Judge U D Salvi is expected to deliver the verdict in 2005 Bilkis Bano case here today.

On March 3, 2002, during the Gujrat riots, which followed after Godhra train carnage, pregnant Bilkis was allegedly gangraped, beaten up and left for dead in a town named Randhikpur, 250 kms away from Ahmedabad. 17 members of Bilkis's family were attacked in which eight were killed and six went missing. The trial, which started in January 2005, is expected to conclude this week. The Gujarat Government closed her case even after knowing the fact that she was the witness to the massacre of 14 family members. Bilkis moved the Supreme Court after bail was granted to all the accused in the case.

After Best bakery case, this became the second Gujarat riot case, which was transferred out of Gujarat to a special Mumbai court on April 6, 2004. In the case, prosecution managed to get 17 out of 20 accused, including six policemen behind bars. They are charged with shielding the guilty, while a doctor couple is accused of destroying evidence.

ANI