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Survivor Fights On: India Rape Case Highlights Long Battle for Justice and Lingering Threats

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BNN Correspondents
New Update
In fact, the recent attention to her case has only heightened her vulnerability and fears for her safety <br> Image Credit: Al Jazeera
It has been three weeks since two men accused of gang-raping a woman during the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots in India were finally sentenced to 20 years in prison. The landmark sentencing, a rare occurrence for sexual assault cases during communal riots, should have brought a sense of closure and relief to the survivor, Aafreen*. However, her fight for justice is far from over. In fact, the recent attention to her case has only heightened her vulnerability and fears for her safety.
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Aafreen, now 35 years old, was one of at least seven women who reported being raped during the riots that took place in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, in 2013. The riots, triggered by the killing of a Muslim man, resulted in widespread violence between Hindus and Muslims, leaving many dead and displaced. The aftermath of the riots deepened communal divisions and became a political tool for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which hindered the pursuit of justice for the survivors.

Threats and Intimidation

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Aafreen's journey to seek justice has been riddled with obstacles and threats. Initially, the police in Uttar Pradesh refused to register her complaint, claiming it was filed too late. It was only after the intervention of the Supreme Court in 2014 that charges were finally filed against the accused. However, the trials faced constant delays, with the accused filing numerous applications to stall the proceedings.
Throughout this process, Aafreen and the other survivors also faced pressure to compromise with their attackers for the sake of communal harmony. Well-wishers and community members urged them to strike deals with the accused to maintain peace. However, Aafreen's refusal to compromise led to hostility and concerns for her family's safety. Threats and intimidation followed her, even after she relocated to New Delhi with the help of an NGO.
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State Complicity and Partisanship

Aafreen's case is emblematic of a broader pattern of sexual violence during communal riots in India. Activists and experts argue that such violence is often a result of state complicity and partisan politics. The government's failure to address hate crimes and provide justice for the victims creates an environment where seeking justice becomes an arduous task. The survival and persistence of communal violence relies on the denigration, humiliation, and dehumanization of women from marginalized communities.
Despite the challenges and threats, Aafreen remains determined to fight for justice and urges other survivors not to be silenced by societal shame. She understands that her fight is not over, as the families of the accused may still pose a threat to her and her children. However, she remains resilient and committed to ensuring that her attackers serve their full sentence.sa
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