The Rajshahi Central Jail authorities arranged the wedding of a convicted rapist and the victim of the rape at the jail gate on Saturday following a High Court order.
Dilip Khalko, now 30, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2012 in the case filed over the rape.
Dilip's lawyer recently applied for bail in the High Court. The rape survivor, who is now 22 years old, told the court that they wanted to get married. The court then ordered them to tie the knot at the jail gate.
The victim’s eight-year-old son, who was conceived as a result of the rape, was present at the wedding along with at least 14 members of the families of both the victim and the perpetrator.
The wedding ceremony started at 12:30pm on Saturday in the presence of Senior Jail Superintendent Subrata Kumar Bala.
Subrata said: “The High Court had directed us to see to Dilip's marriage. After receiving a copy of the order three days ago, I called both parties. The ceremony went off smoothly. Now the marriage papers will be sent to the High Court as soon as possible.”
Dilip expressed his satisfaction over the marriage. “It feels good to be married. Please pray for us.”
Echoing his sentiments, the bride said: “We want to spend the rest of our lives in the best way possible.”
The rapist and the victim were maternal cousins and had a romantic relationship. Promising marriage, Dilip had sexual intercourse with the victim on February 25, 2011, when she was only 14. However, he refused to fulfill his commitment afterwards. Eventually, a rape case was filed in this connection with Godagari police station.
Now, Dilip may be granted bail when the marriage papers reach the High Court.