Bilkis Bano convict shares stage with Gujarat BJP MP, MLA at govt event

In a shocking incident, one of the 11 convict of Bilkis Bano case was seen sharing the stage with a Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) MP at a government programme in Gujarat yesterday. Shailesh Chimanlal Bhatt was seen on stage with Dahod MP Jasvant Sinh Bhabhor.

The convicted rapist was allegedly attending the launch of group water supply scheme event that took place in Karmadi Village of Dahod district on March 25.

Videos and photos from the spot showed Shailesh Chimanlal Bhatt on stage with Dahod BJP MP Jasvantsinh Bhabhor and his brother, Limkheda MLA Sailesh Bhabhor. He was seen posing with them for photos at the event and even participating in the puja.

Reacting to this, TMC Mahua Moitra criticised the ruling BJP government and called for the imprisonment of the convicts, urging people to vote out the party that supports such a 'travesty of justice'.

Taking to micro-blogging Twitter, she wrote,''Bilkis Bano's Rapist Shares Stage With Gujarat's BJP MP, MLA. I want to see these monsters back in jail & the key thrown away. And I want this satanic government that applauds this travesty of justice voted out. I want India to reclaim her moral compass.''

It may be recalled that the 11 convicts were granted remission by the Gujarat government and released on August 15, last year, sparking nationwide uproar. They were convicted in 2008 of gangraping Bilkis Bano and murdering her family during the 2002 Gujarat riots in India.Her three-year-old daughter was one of the victims. Seven additional relatives, whom she claims were murdered, were reported 'missing.'