Delhi High Court Requests Status Report in 2010 Dhaula Kuan Gang Rape Case

The Delhi High Court has requested a status report regarding the appeal of Shahid, also known as Billi, one of the five convicted in the 2010 Dhaula Kuan gang rape case. This incident involved the abduction and gang rape of a BPO employee by a Mewati gang on November 23, 2010, after which the victim was abandoned in the Mangolpuri area. All five accused were found guilty in 2014, and their sentences were upheld by the Delhi High Court in 2018. Justice Girish Kathpalia has issued a notice to the prosecution, demanding a status report on the appeal within two weeks. The court has also requested a nominal role from the relevant prison authorities.

The bench noted that the petitioner has been incarcerated for nearly 13 years without any parole. The appeal is scheduled to be listed before the roster bench on July 29. Meanwhile, the High Court has granted Shahid exemption from surrendering upon the expiration of his leave, as his minor daughter is suffering from cancer. He had been granted leave by the government and has approached the High Court to extend this period. The court reviewed photographs and medical documents related to his daughter. Shahid is required to surrender upon the conclusion of his leave, and if he applies for an extension, it may take considerable time.

On June 11, the High Court ruled that Shahid has spent almost 13 years in jail without any relief, and due to the unique circumstances of the case, his application is accepted. The court clarified that the petitioner is exempt from surrendering until the next hearing date. It emphasized that this order is issued under unfortunate circumstances and should not be considered a precedent. The Dwarka Court had convicted Shamshad, also known as Khutkan, Usman, also known as Kale, Iqbal, also known as Billi, Shahid, and Kamruddin, also known as Kamru, on October 14, 2014.