After former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar was granted bail by the Delhi High Court in the Unnao rape case, the victim's sister poured out her anguish and dissatisfaction. She voiced her fears, 'I am not happy. He killed relatives and harmed my father; this happened to my sister. He’s freed, yet we're still vulnerable. Who knows, now he might harm my entire family.'
The victim's sister states that their family has already endured immense loss. With their father’s death, attacks on relatives, and constant threats, they feel broken. She said, 'If they’re allowed freedom, jail us for safety. At least we'll remain alive.' She expressed that there are young children and a little brother at home, and they live in daily fear of something dreadful happening.
The family alleges that associates of the accused continue issuing threats in the open. They roam freely, boasting about his return, and brazenly saying, 'What can you do to us? We will kill you all.' The family mentioned such threats were frequent previously, but the bail order significantly heightened their fear.
Protests at India Gate, Police Disperse Crowd
Amidst this fear and protest, the victim, her mother, and women’s rights activist Yogita Bhayana organized a peaceful demonstration near India Gate in Delhi. Their aim was to raise their voices against the Delhi High Court order suspending Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s life sentence. During the protest, the victim's mother stated she had dedicated years to securing justice for her daughter, and the grant of bail had shattered their confidence anew. However, the protest was short-lived as Delhi Police removed the victim, her mother, and Yogita Bhayana from the site.
Conditional Bail Granted
The Delhi High Court granted conditional bail to Kuldeep Singh Sengar. The court required a bond of 1.5 million rupees and a surety of the same amount. Several strict guidelines accompanied the bail: Sengar must stay over five kilometers away from the victim and remain in Delhi during the bail term. He is required to report to the police every Monday.
The court directed Sengar not to intimidate the victim or her family, directly or indirectly. He must submit his passport to a lower court, and any breach of conditions may lead to immediate bail revocation. The bail remains effective until the High Court reaches a final decision on the appeal against the lower court's verdict.
Immediate Release Not Possible
Despite the bail order, Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s immediate release is not feasible. He remains sentenced to a concurrent 10-year term for the victim’s father's murder, which means he will stay in jail for now. Yet, the suspension of his sentencing is an ongoing concern for the victim's family.
