At Jantar Mantar, a significant protest erupted on Sunday against the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and grant him conditional bail in the Unnao rape case. Women's rights activists, leftist student organizations, and social activists demanded justice for the victim. Protestors wielded placards, shouted slogans, and expressed their dissatisfaction against the BJP.
The protest turned tumultuous when a woman supporting Sengar appeared with a poster proclaiming, 'I support Kuldeep Sengar,' inciting significant outrage among the dissenters. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on December 29 the CBI's petition challenging the Delhi High Court's bail order. Protestors expressed hope during a conversation with Aaj Tak that the apex court will ensure justice for the victim.
Speaking to Aaj Tak, the Unnao rape victim stated that the bail order feels like a 'death knell' for her and her family. She mentioned, 'The bail order has effectively halted Sengar's punishment. His family is visiting him in jail. A contract worth one crore rupees was given to Brijbhushan to eliminate me and my family. The judge and the CBI investigating officer have been compromised.' The victim has appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure her family's safety.
The victim's mother voiced her distrust in the HC
The victim's mother, emotional during a conversation with Aaj Tak, said, 'We are roving in search of justice. Why isn’t my brother-in-law being released? I do not trust the High Court. They killed my husband. Now only the Supreme Court stands as our hope.' She also accused that their family's security has been withdrawn and claimed that Kuldeep Sengar has sent 10–15 people to eliminate them. He wants to end my entire family. Social activist Yogita Bhayana, part of the protest, remarked, 'The victim is being forced to return to the streets. Only the Supreme Court can render justice now. The decision of the Delhi High Court has hurt the nation's women.'
The Unnao rape case first emerged in 2017
The notorious Unnao rape case dates back to 2017, when a minor girl from Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district accused then BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar of rape. Initially, the police refused to file an FIR, and threats were made against the family. The victim attempted self-immolation outside the Chief Minister's residence in Lucknow on 5 Kalidas Marg in 2018. Following nationwide protests and media coverage, the case was handed over to the CBI. The Supreme Court, to ensure a fair trial, transferred the case from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi.
In 2019, a Delhi trial court found Kuldeep Singh Sengar guilty of rape and sentenced him to life imprisonment. He was also convicted for the custodial death of the victim's father and for influencing witnesses. Several of Sengar's associates were convicted in this case. Recently, the Delhi High Court suspended Sengar's sentence until his appeal is heard and granted him conditional bail, citing the duration served (seven years five months) and other legal grounds.
Conditions of Sengar's Conditional Bail by Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court stipulated that Kuldeep Singh Sengar must not venture within five kilometers of the Unnao rape victim's residence. He is also forbidden from attempting to influence witnesses. However, due to a ten-year sentence related to the custodial death of the victim's father, Sengar remains in jail. The CBI has challenged the Delhi High Court's decision in the Supreme Court. Social activists and the rape victim's family express deep discontent with the decision, arguing that Sengar's bail weakens justice in a case already fraught with alleged threats and violence.
