New Delhi: The SC verdict quashing remission granted by BJP-led Gujarat government to 11 men convicted in the Bilkis Bano gang rape case is said to be influenced by a report submitted by a brave Malayali CBI officer. 

Nandakumar Nair, former SP of CBI (Mumbai unit), had submitted a report to the Godhra jail superintendent against relaxing the punishments for the culprits in the case.

A copy of the three-page long letter written by Nandakumar to the jail superintendent has been released by Mathrubhumi News. The Godhra jail superintendent had apparently sought the opinion of the CBI officer on the decision to relax the punishment for Shailesh Shivlal Bhatt, who is one of the key accused in the case. 

The Bilkis Bano case was investigated by the Mumbai Special Crime Branch. The appealing procedures in the case were underway when Nandakumar had assumed charge as Crime Branch SP. His intervention proved crucial in handing out punishments to several accused in the case, including those who were let off earlier without charges. His presence ensured an effective trial.

Knowing all this, the jail superintendent in Godhra rightfully sought his opinion while making a crucial decision. In the letter, Nandakumar stated that the culprit who is guilty of committing an extremely heinous/inhuman crime doesn't deserve mercy.    

The particular letter which was sent on March 11, 2021, is considered as one of the first ‘voices’ raised against relaxing punishments of the culprits in the case. 

The courage displayed by Nadakumar in standing firm on his opinion at a time when the BJP at the Centre is accused of bulldozing opposing voices should be definitely appreciated. Shockingly, apart from Nandakumar, the only other official who took a stance against relaxing punishments for the culprits was the judge of the trial court.