PC Solanki served as the prosecuting attorney in the notorious rape case involving Asaram Bapu. The film “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,” featuring Manoj Bajpayee, draws inspiration from his life.
Manoj Bajpayee’s upcoming film “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai” is ready for release. This courtroom drama features Manoj portraying the role of PC Solanki, a real-life lawyer who bravely fought the notorious rape case against self-proclaimed godman Asaram Bapu in a Jodhpur Court from 2013 to 2018, ultimately securing Asaram’s conviction. Although the film touches upon a rape case, it incorporates fictionalized elements and does not utilize the actual names of most characters, except for Solanki himself.
Who is advocate PC Solanki?
Poonam Chand Solanki, a lawyer from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, has an inspiring background. He was born into a humble family, with his father working as a former railway mechanic, and he is the only brother to three sisters. Despite their modest means, Solanki’s family ensured that he received a complete education, ultimately leading him to pursue a career in law. He officially joined the bar in 1996.Solanki gained recognition in 2002 when he took on a significant case, as mentioned in an Asian Age article. He filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Rajasthan High Court against the immersion of Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris in Gulab Sagar, a lake near the historic Ghantaghar. This practice was causing the death of numerous fish in the lake. Solanki’s efforts shed light on this issue and aimed to protect the environment.
In 2014, Solanki was approached by the parents of a minor who was fighting a rape case against the prominent godman Asaram Bapu. This encounter marked the beginning of Solanki’s association with the case and demonstrated his commitment to seeking justice for the victims.Overall, Poonam Chand Solanki’s journey showcases his determination and resilience in pursuing his education and fighting for important causes as a lawyer in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
What was the Asaram Bapu rape case?
Asaram Bapu, a self-proclaimed godman (born Asumal Sirumalani Harpalani), had a network of over 400 ashrams in India and abroad, along with 40 schools. However, in August 2013, a 16-year-old girl, who was residing at Asaram’s ashram near Jodhpur, accused him of sexually assaulting her. She claimed that he used the pretext of ‘exorcising evil spirits’ from her. Notably, the girl’s parents were disciples of Asaram and they filed a zero FIR in Delhi to initiate legal proceedings.
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Subsequently, Asaram was arrested in September and taken into custody in Jodhpur, where the trial commenced in the sessions court. He faced charges under Sections 342, 376, 506, and 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and sections 23 and 26 of the Juvenile Justice Act. Dissatisfied with the initial proceedings, the complainants sought the assistance of PC Solanki, an expert in the POCSO Act, who became their lawyer.The involvement of PC Solanki in the case came about due to the complainants’ desire for a more effective legal representation in their pursuit of justice against Asaram Bapu, given Solanki’s expertise in the specific provisions of the POCSO Act.
Over the course of five years, the trial surrounding Asaram Bapu’s case unfolded, revealing additional rape allegations against him. Throughout this period, four crucial witnesses met untimely deaths under mysterious circumstances. The defence team representing Asaram consisted of renowned lawyers in the country, such as Ram Jethmalani, Salman Khursheed, and Subramanian Swamy. However, despite their efforts, PC Solanki emerged victorious.
In April 2018, the Jodhpur Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Court pronounced Asaram guilty of the rape charges and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a fine of ₹500,000 to the victim. Asaram’s appeal was subsequently rejected by the High Court, and he remains incarcerated to this day.
All you need to know about Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai
The movie “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai” portrays PC Solanki as he takes on a rape case against a godman referred to as Baba in the film. It deliberately avoids mentioning Asaram Bapu by name and changes the names of certain key characters. According to Suparn S Verma, the film’s creative producer, they obtained the rights to Solanki’s name and story, which led them to solely focus on that aspect. The movie, also known as “Bandaa,” features Adrija, Vipin Sharma, and Surya Mohan Kulshrestha portraying the accused baba. Asaram responded to the film by sending a legal notice to the creators, claiming that it tarnishes his image.
“Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,” directed by Apoorva Singh Karki, has received outstanding reviews, with the script, presentation, and Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of Solanki earning high praise. The film is highly anticipated and is scheduled to premiere on Zee5 on May 23rd.
