"SC's decision told the country who is the patron of criminals": Rahul Gandhi welcomes the Bilkis Bano verdict, takes a dig at BJP

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday hailed the Supreme Court's verdict that overturned the Gujrat government's order allowing the release of the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang-rape and murder case. The Wayanad MP took a dig at the "arrogant BJP government", calling them the "patron of criminals." 

"The tendency to 'kill justice' for electoral gains is dangerous for the democratic system. Today the Supreme Court's decision once again told the country who is the 'patron of criminals'. Bilkis Bano's tireless struggle is a symbol of the victory of justice against the arrogant BJP government," posted Rahul Gandhi on social media platform "X". 

Taking to social media platform "X", Congress Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also welcomes the apex court's verdict. "With this order, the veil over the anti-women policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party has been removed. After this, public confidence in the justice system will be further strengthened. Congratulations to Bilkis Bano for continuing her fight bravely," posted Vadra. 

The Supreme Court on Monday invalidated the Gujarat government's decision to release the rape convicts, asserting that the state lacked the authority to make such a decision since the trial occurred in Maharashtra. The court also directed the convicts to return to prison within a fortnight.

In 2002, at the age of 21 and five months pregnant, Bilkis Bano was brutally gang raped while attempting to escape the riots triggered by the Godhra train burning incident in Gujarat. 14 members of her family were killed, including her 3-year-old daughter.

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