Who Were Convicted in the 2016 Bulandshahr Highway Gang-Rape Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Five men convicted in a notorious gang-rape case.
- CBI's role highlighted in ensuring justice.
- Case emphasizes the need for accountability in law enforcement.
New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) In a crucial win for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), a Special POCSO Court in Bulandshahr has found five men guilty for the shocking 2016 gang-rape of a woman and her minor daughter.
The court ruled against Juber (also known as Sunil/Parwej), Sajid, Dharamvir (alias Jitender), Naresh (alias Sandip Baheliya), and Sunil Kumar (alias Sagar) for their involvement in these atrocious acts.
The incident occurred on the night of July 29, 2016, when a family of six, journeying from Noida to Shahjahanpur, fell victim to an ambush on National Highway 91.
Armed assailants punctured the family’s car tyres using a metal axle, forcing them to halt near the fields of Dostpur village.
Under the threat of firearms, the men were bound and assaulted while the woman and her 14-year-old daughter were dragged into nearby fields and endured hours of sexual violence and robbery.
The case was initially investigated by the Uttar Pradesh Police but was later handed over to the CBI following a directive from the Allahabad High Court on August 12, 2016.
This transfer occurred amidst public outrage and allegations of police negligence, including claims that the victims’ urgent calls to helplines went unanswered.
The CBI submitted its initial charge-sheet on November 5, 2016, against three of the accused, with a supplementary charge-sheet filed in April 2018 against three others.
Throughout the nine-year trial, one of the accused passed away while in judicial custody.
The case attracted national attention not only for its brutality but also for the insensitive comments made by the then-U.P. Minister Azam Khan, who labeled the incident as a "political conspiracy,” leading to an apology from the Supreme Court.
Following today’s verdict, the sentencing for the five convicts is expected to be announced on December 22, 2025.