Gang-rape victim ‘numb’ after attackers’ early release in Gujarat

A Muslim woman who was gang-raped as 14 other people were murdered during one of post-independence India’s worst religious riots has said she is “numb” after her attackers were released early from prison.

In a case that drew global outrage, Ms Bilkis Bano and two of her children were the only survivors among a group of 17 Muslims attacked by a Hindu mob in the western state of Gujarat in 2002.

Ms Bilkis was pregnant at the time and seven of those killed were relatives, including her three-year-old daughter.

The attack took place when current Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was Gujarat state premier.

Eleven Hindu men were later sentenced to life in prison but were freed on Monday, with the Gujarat government timing its announcement to coincide with celebrations for the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.