Naliya Gang Rape Case: All 8 Accused Acquitted

In a significant verdict, a Bhuj sessions court acquitted all eight accused in the high-profile 2017 Naliya gang rape case. The sensational case had stirred controversy across Gujarat due to the alleged involvement of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders.

A 24-year-old woman was gangraped in Naliya town of Kutch district, Gujarat in 2017. 

The state government had formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and appointed a special public prosecutor for the case. However, the key witness, the complainant herself, was later declared hostile, weakening the prosecution’s case.

The case involved allegations by a woman who claimed she was lured with money, drugged, raped, and blackmailed with explicit videos. Despite extensive investigation, including a 474-page chargesheet, 140 witnesses, and 13 pieces of evidence, the court found no grounds for conviction. 

The case had led to widespread outrage, prompting BJP to suspend the accused leaders.