Bulandshahr Gang-Rape Case: Life Sentence Leaves Victim Disillusioned, Convict Seen Smiling

Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh:
Nearly nine years after the horrific Bulandshahr gang-rape incident, a special court sentenced five convicts to life imprisonment. However, the verdict failed to bring closure to the survivor, who expressed deep disappointment, stating that such “monsters deserved public execution, not just imprisonment.”

The reaction intensified after one of the convicts, Zubair, was seen smiling moments after being awarded life imprisonment. His conduct sparked outrage and added to the survivor’s trauma.

“I am studying law. If I ever become a judge, I will ensure justice for victims like me,” the survivor said, her voice trembling. “Even today, recalling that dark night sends shivers down my spine. My entire family was destroyed. We were forced to abandon our life and live in anonymity.”

‘The Screams Still Echo in My Ears’

Recounting the events of the night in 2016, the survivor’s father said the family was traveling to attend his mother’s last rites when their car was stopped on the highway around 1 a.m.

“We heard a loud noise, as if the car had hit something. Suddenly, seven to eight armed men emerged from the bushes and surrounded us. My wife and daughter were dragged away at gunpoint,” he recalled.

“When I resisted, they tied me up and beat me mercilessly. My daughter kept begging, but I was helpless. The screams of my wife and daughter still echo in my ears,” he said.

The incident shattered the family’s life. Once a transport businessman in Noida, the father now earns barely ₹12,000–15,000 a month by driving other people’s vehicles. “My entire life now revolves around securing my daughter’s future,” he said.

He also alleged a grave lapse in police response. “We called Dial-100 before the attack. Had the call been answered in time, this tragedy could have been prevented.”

Initial Police Lapses, CBI Probe Uncovered Truth

At the time of the incident, Uttar Pradesh was governed by the Samajwadi Party. The case triggered massive outrage and led to the suspension of 17 police officials, including senior officers. Initially, the police falsely implicated three innocent men, a claim later exposed during investigation.

Following widespread criticism, the Allahabad High Court transferred the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The CBI investigation revealed the involvement of members of the Bawaria gang, including Zubair alias Sunil alias Parvez, Salim alias Bina alias Diwanji, and Sajid. Three other suspects were dropped due to lack of evidence. Chargesheets were filed against the remaining accused.

DNA Evidence Proved Crucial

According to government prosecutor Varun Kaushik, forensic evidence played a decisive role in securing the convictions.

“Semen samples recovered from the victim’s clothes were matched through DNA analysis. This scientific evidence became the backbone of the prosecution’s case,” he said, adding that other material evidence collected from the crime scene also supported the charges.

Two Accused Killed in Encounters

During the investigation, Haryana Police arrested a gang linked to the case. Identification parades conducted by the CBI confirmed their involvement. Two of the accused—Ajay alias Aslam and Bunty alias Ganja—were later killed in separate police encounters in other criminal cases.

Defense to Challenge Verdict

Defense counsel Shivcharan Mahur announced plans to challenge the verdict in the High Court, questioning the identification process, DNA evidence, and the FIR.

Meanwhile, convict Zubair, smiling after the verdict, claimed innocence. “I have been falsely implicated. The police ruined my life. I have two small children. I hope the High Court will give me relief,” he said.

Court’s Observation

Special POCSO Court Judge O.P. Verma stated,
“Such criminals must be kept away from civilized society. Prison is the only place for them, and they should remain behind bars for the rest of their lives.”