Birbhum gang-rape: SC raps Bengal govt, directs Rs 5 lakh compensation to victim

Zee Media Bureau

Kolkata: The Supreme Court on Friday rapped the West Bengal government saying that it failed to protect the fundamental right of the 20-year-old Birbhum gang-rape survivor. In addition to already sanctioned Rs 50,000, the SC today directed the Bengal government to give Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the tribal girl who was gang-raped by 13 men on the orders of a kangaroo court after she expressed her inability to pay a fine for being in love with a man from a different community. The apex court said that all states are duty-bound to protect the right of women, adding that women have the freedom of choice in marriage. The 13 people, including the `morol` (community head) Balai Murdy accused of the gang-rape are in police custody.