The survivor of the horrific Unnao rape case has taken a bold new step in her prolonged legal battle. She has formally approached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the former investigating officer in her case. The officer stands accused of colluding with the convicted former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, Kuldeep Sengar, to deliberately sabotage the investigation and weaken the prosecution's case against him.
Formal Complaint Alleges Deliberate Sabotage
In a detailed complaint submitted to the CBI, the survivor has leveled serious allegations against the then Investigating Officer (IO). She claims the officer actively worked in concert with Kuldeep Sengar and his associates to shield the powerful politician from justice. The core of the allegation is that the IO intentionally omitted crucial evidence and did not record vital witness statements that were essential for a strong prosecution.
The survivor specifically pointed out that the IO failed to document the statement of a key witness who reportedly saw her being taken to Sengar's residence on the day of the crime in June 2017. This omission, she argues, was a calculated move to create gaps in the evidence chain. Furthermore, her complaint suggests that the officer's actions were part of a broader conspiracy to protect Sengar due to his political influence and status at the time.
A Timeline of Trauma and Injustice
The case dates back to June 2017, when the minor girl was allegedly raped by Kuldeep Sengar in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. The path to justice was marred by immense obstacles, including threats to the survivor's family and a tragic car crash in July 2019 that left her critically injured and killed two of her aunts. This crash was investigated as a murder conspiracy.
Despite the intimidation and the initial reluctance of local police to act, the case was eventually transferred to the CBI. In December 2019, a Delhi court convicted Kuldeep Sengar for rape under the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. The court also convicted him in the separate murder conspiracy case related to the car crash.
However, for the survivor, the conviction of the main perpetrator did not signify full accountability. She has consistently argued that others who aided Sengar or obstructed justice must also face legal consequences.
Seeking Accountability Beyond the Convict
The latest move to file a complaint against the former IO underscores the survivor's relentless pursuit of complete justice. It highlights her allegation that the miscarriage of justice was not merely an individual act by Sengar but was facilitated by systemic failures and possible corruption within the initial investigation process.
By approaching the CBI, the nation's premier investigative agency, she is pushing for a fresh probe into the conduct of the police officer. Her demand for an FIR signals a move to hold accountable all individuals who allegedly played a role in suppressing the case during its early, most critical stages. This step is seen as crucial for restoring faith in the legal system and sending a message that collusion with powerful accused persons will not be tolerated.
The CBI is now examining her complaint. The agency's decision on whether to register an FIR and initiate a new investigation is awaited. This development adds another chapter to the long and painful saga of the Unnao case, which has become a symbol of the struggle for justice against politically powerful sexual offenders in India.
