The survivor in the horrific 2017 Unnao rape case expressed her determination on Monday to ensure a death sentence for the convicted former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Her statement came as she welcomed a crucial intervention by the Supreme Court of India.
Supreme Court Intervenes, Stays Bail Order
The apex court, in a significant move, stayed a December 23 order by the Delhi High Court that had suspended Sengar's life sentence and granted him bail while his appeal was pending. A Supreme Court bench, after hearing arguments from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the senior advocate for the convict, issued the stay.
The bench acknowledged that it does not ordinarily stay such release orders without hearing the convict. However, citing the "peculiar facts" of the case where Sengar stands convicted for a heinous offence, it directed that the respondent shall not be released pursuant to the High Court's order. The court also issued a notice and allowed four weeks for filing a counter.
"I Will Ensure Death Sentence": Survivor's Resolve
Speaking to reporters after the Supreme Court's decision, the survivor hailed the order as a step towards justice. "I am very happy. I had faith in the Supreme Court. I will ensure that he is given a death sentence," she stated firmly.
She reiterated her long-standing fight for justice, telling PTI, "I am very happy with this decision. I have got justice from the Supreme Court. I have been raising my voice for justice from the very beginning." While expressing faith in all courts, she emphasized that the Supreme Court had delivered justice in this instance.
A Case That Shook the Nation
The case involves Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former BJP legislator from Unnao, who was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a minor in 2017. The brutality of the crime and the political power of the accused sparked nationwide outrage, leading to intense debates about crimes against women and political accountability.
The survivor and her family faced severe intimidation and tragic consequences during their pursuit of justice, including a deadly car accident that was later investigated as a possible murder attempt. The case remains a stark symbol of the challenges in seeking justice against powerful individuals.
