Unnao Rape Case:
The Unnao rape case isn't just a horrifying tale of assault against a minor, but it also raises serious questions about the system, politics, and victim's safety. The accused wasn't just any person; it was the influential BJP MLA, Kuldeep Singh Sengar. For the past eight years, the victim and her family have fought for justice. Even after receiving justice, it feels incomplete, sparking outrage and debate nationwide.
June 4, 2017: Accusation of Rape
A 17-year-old girl accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar of raping her. She claimed that she met the MLA under the pretense of securing employment, where she was sexually assaulted. Despite such allegations, no significant action was taken locally.
June 11, 2017: Victim Disappears
Shortly after making the allegation, the victim disappeared. The family filed a missing person report. Days later, she was found in a village in the Auraiya district, which fueled suspicions. The family accused that there was pressure on her to remain silent.
July 3, 2017: Letter to the Chief Minister
Frustrated by inaction, the victim traveled to Delhi and wrote to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding action against Sengar and his brother. This letter gained public attention and sparked media discussions, yet police action remained sluggish.
The Silence of the System and Political Pressure
In 2017, the case lingered without progress. The accused MLA roamed freely, and the victim reported receiving constant threats. The family alleged that authorities and police were shielding the accused. During this time, the victim endured overwhelming mental and social pressure.
April 3, 2018: Attack on the Victim's Father
On this date, the victim's father was brutally beaten by Atul Singh and his associates. Despite his severe condition, the police detained him instead and filed charges against him. This incident proved to be a pivotal turning point in the case.
April 8, 2018: Attempted Self-Immolation
Broken by the prolonged delay in justice, the victim attempted self-immolation in front of the Chief Minister's residence. This event shocked the nation, prompting media and social organizations to question the government's actions, bringing the case to national prominence.
April 9, 2018: Death in Police Custody
The day after the self-immolation attempt, the victim's father died in police custody. The family alleged it was murder, raising serious doubts about police involvement. Opposing parties and human rights organizations intensified demands for a CBI investigation, though the state government remained silent.
April 10, 2018: CBI Takes Over
Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, the Allahabad High Court transferred the rape case to the CBI, asserting it was essential for impartial investigation. This shift marked a turning point, leading to tightening of the net around the influential MLA, bringing the victim a significant step closer to justice, though there was more to achieve.
April 13, 2018: Arrest of Kuldeep Sengar
Following the CBI probe, Kuldeep Singh Sengar was arrested on April 13, 2018. Within days, the CBI filed a charge sheet, demonstrating that actions were taken despite political pressure, marking a crucial moment beyond mere allegations.
July 28, 2019: An Accident or a Conspiracy?
On this date, another alarming scheme by Sengar surfaced. The victim's car was struck by a truck in Raebareli, claiming the lives of her aunt and mother, while she sustained serious injuries. Another FIR was filed against Sengar, indicating that even from jail, his malicious activities continued unabated.
August 1, 2019: Supreme Court Intervention
Increasing disputes and injustice caught the attention of the nation's highest court, prompting the Supreme Court to transfer five related cases to Delhi, instructing the completion of trials within 45 days. This mandate was crucial for ensuring the victim's safety and a fair trial.
August 5, 2019: Daily Court Hearings
Daily hearings commenced at Delhi's Tis Hazari Court, with the victim being shifted to AIIMS, Delhi. Court assertiveness expedited the trial, marking the first significant advancement towards a conclusive resolution.
September 11, 2019: Court at AIIMS
Considering the victim’s condition, a temporary court was set up at AIIMS to record her statement, an exceptional move in Indian judicial history aimed at ensuring her safety during crucial proceedings.
December 16, 2019: Sengar Found Guilty
On December 16, 2019, Tis Hazari Court found BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar guilty, though co-accused Shashi Singh was acquitted. The court acknowledged Sengar's crime of raping a minor, marking a significant victory in the victim's long battle for justice.
December 20, 2019: Life Sentence
Subsequently, Sengar received a life sentence and was fined ₹2.5 million under IPC Section 376 and POCSO Act Section 6. This ruling resonated as a stern message nationwide.
December 23, 2025: High Court Grants Bail
In a twist this year, on December 23, 2025, Delhi High Court suspended Sengar's life sentence, granting bail. However, release was delayed due to a concurrent 10-year sentence for the murder of the victim's father. The court imposed strict conditions: residing in Delhi, regular appearances, and maintaining distance from the victim.
Incomplete Justice? The Victim’s Agony
On the same day, the victim, her mother, and activist Yogita Bhayana protested at India Gate against the High Court's decision, claiming that their trust in the system was shattered by its actions. The Unnao rape case continues to challenge the credibility of justice in the face of power, questioning whether justice succumbed to influence.
