Nirbhaya case: Juvenile rapist hiding his past

He was the only one to escape the gallows because he was a minor. Now 23-year-old, the man who was convicted for brutally raping Nirbhaya and walked free in 2016 is reportedly 'rehabilitating' himself in down south. According to reports, he is working as a cook in a small dhaba in South India.

The NGO associated with his rehabilitation has claimed that the man has turned a new leaf, and has "left his old live behind". He has even changed his name to conceal his vile past. There are also speculations that his employer is not aware of the horrific crime that he committed on a wintry night of December16, 2012. According to police, he had learnt to cook while serving his sentence at the juvenile home he was lodged at. He also learnt painting and tailoring, with his counsellor going on record of the convict showing no sign of remorse. The counsellor had stated when the man was released in 2016 that he had failed to see any positive change in him and there was not a trace of regret.

The convict whose identity remains a closely guarded secret was released in 2016 after completing a three year term, sparking nationwide outrage. At the time of the crime, he was few months short of turning 18. Massive campaigns were launched, demanding that he should be tried as an adult.

In June 2016, the Intelligence Bureau had issued a security alert against him, suspecting that he was in touch with Islamic radicals. The IB had instructed state authorities in Uttar Pradesh to keep a close watch on him as he hailed from Badaun. Earlier on in December 2015, the IB had flagged his proximity with a Kashmiri inmate who was allegedly involved in the Delhi High Court bombing in 2011. The two were roommates and the suspect had allegedly indoctrinated him over the years.