Demonstration in Mumbai condemning release of murderers of family of Bilkis Bano

By Harsh Thakor
A militant demonstration was held at Dadar Railway Station (East) on August 23rd, besides Hanuman Mandir, Dadar (East), Mumbai, attended by over 300 activists which is mainly consisted of women. It was organised by All India Women’s Democratic Association, Forum Against Oppression of Women, Indian Christians For Democracy, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, National Solidarity Forum, Police Reform Watch, Vinayak Foundation, Shoshit Jan Andolan, Pani Haq Samiti. Communist Party of India and CITU activists too waved their banners.

A most qualitative protest in projecting how the iron feet of neo-fascism of Hindu variety have penetrated the judicial system and how the social order patronises crimes against the Muslim community. They recounted instances of how secular democrats were framed within prison walls. Cosmpolitan and traditionally secular spirit of Mumbai sprinkled. Rage of the protestors was reminiscent of coal fire burning, with wrath written on their faces. Heartening to witness participation from activists from various streams of the democratic movement and from various spheres of society. Such protests knit the seeds of resistance to cut the tumours of Hindu fascism.
It grossly condemned the release of 11 convicts who murdered 13 family members of Bilkis Bano which includes her 3 years old daughter and was collectively raped by all the 11 convicts. After valiantly waging a crusade for years and combating threats she finally got justice. The 11. convicts were awarded life imprisonment. On 15-08-2022 they were released on grounds of good behaviour and belonging to Brahmin caste. The right wing organization Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) played the role of conspirators, in shaping this development. As Bilkis Bano said "How can justices for any woman end like this? I trusted the highest courts in our land. I trusted the system and I was learning slowly to live with my trauma.

The release of these convicts has robbed me of my peace and shattered my faith in justice. My sorrows and my wavering faith are not for myself alone but for every women who is waging a struggle for justice in courts.Slogans like ‘Justice for Bilkis Bano', ‘Justice delay is justice denied’, ‘Solidarity with Bilkis Bano’s struggle’ , ‘For justice rearrest the 11 convicts and put them to prison' ‘Activists fighting for people’s rights are in prison’, ‘Rapists and murderers are being freed’, ‘Jai Bhim Lal Salaam’, ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ were vociferously shouted. Speakers summarised how Hindutva neo fascism has penetrated the social system at an unprecedented scale, with the very fabric of the constitution torn apart.
Heartening to witness participation from activists from various streams of the democratic movement and from various spheres of society. Such protests knit the seeds of resistance to cut the tumours of Hindu fascism.
---
Harsh Thakor is a freelance journalist who covers mass movements in India

Comments

Academics urge Azim Premji University to drop FIR against Student Reading Circle

By A Representative A group of academics and civil society members has issued an open letter to the leadership of Azim Premji University expressing concern over the filing of a police complaint that led to an FIR against a student-run reading circle following a recent incident of violence on campus. The signatories state that they hold the university in high regard for its commitment to constitutional values, critical inquiry and ethical public engagement, and argue that it is precisely because of this reputation that the present development is troubling.

'Policy long overdue': Coalition of 29 experts tells JP Nadda to act on SC warning label order

By A Representative In a significant development for public health, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to seriously consider implementing mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on pre-packaged food products. The order, passed by a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan on February 10, 2026, comes as the Court expressed dissatisfaction with the regulatory body's progress on the issue.

When tourism meets tribal law: The Vanajangi dispute in Andhra Pradesh

By Palla Trinadha Rao A writ petition presently before the High Court of Andhra Pradesh has brought into focus an increasingly important question in the governance of tribal regions: can eco-tourism projects in Scheduled Areas be implemented without the consent of the Gram Sabha? The case concerns the establishment of a Community Based Eco-Tourism centre at Vanajangi village in Paderu Mandal of Alluri Sitarama Raju District, a region located within the Scheduled Areas of Andhra Pradesh.

UAPA action against Telangana activist: Criminalising legitimate democratic activity?

By A Representative The National Investigation Agency's Hyderabad branch has issued notices to more than ten individuals in Telangana in connection with FIR No. RC-04/2025. Those served include activists, former student leaders, civil rights advocates, poets, writers, retired schoolteachers, and local leaders associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Indian National Congress.

Vaccination vs screening: Policy questions raised on cervical cancer strategy

By A Representative A public policy expert has written to Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda raising a series of concerns regarding the national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign launched on February 28 for 14-year-old girls.

The new anti-national certificate: If Arundhati Roy is the benchmark, count me in

By Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava* Dear MANIT Alumni Network Committee, “Are you anti-national?” I encountered this fascinating—some may say intimidating—question from an elderly woman I barely know, an alumna of Maulana Azad College of Technology (MACT, now Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology - MANIT), Bhopal, and apparently one of the founders of the MACT (now MANIT) Alumni Network. The authority with which she posed the question was striking. “How much anti-national are you? What have you done for the Alumni Network Committee to identify you as anti-national?” When I asked what “anti-national” meant to her and who was busy certifying me as such, the response came in counter-questions.

The ultimate all-time ODI XI: A personal selection of icons across eras

By Harsh Thakor* This is my all-time best XI chosen for ODI (One Day International) cricket: 1. Adam Gilchrist (W) – The absolute master blaster who could create the impact of exploding gunpowder with his electrifying strokeplay. No batsman was more intimidating in his era. Often his knocks decided the fate of games as though the result were premeditated. He escalated batting strike rates to surreal realms.

Buddhist shrines were 'massively destroyed' by Brahmanical rulers: Historian DN Jha

Nalanda mahavihara By Rajiv Shah Prominent historian DN Jha, an expert in India's ancient and medieval past, in his new book , "Against the Grain: Notes on Identity, Intolerance and History", in a sharp critique of "Hindutva ideologues", who look at the ancient period of Indian history as "a golden age marked by social harmony, devoid of any religious violence", has said, "Demolition and desecration of rival religious establishments, and the appropriation of their idols, was not uncommon in India before the advent of Islam".

Minority concerns mount: RTI reveals govt funded Delhi religious meet in December

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* Indian Muslims have expressed deep concern over what they describe as rising hate speech and hostility against their community under the BJP-led government in India. A recent flashpoint was the event organised by Sanatan Sanstha titled “Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav” in New Delhi on 13–14 December 2025.

Search This Blog