The survivor of the horrific Unnao rape case has made a heart-wrenching revelation, stating that the thought of her children was the only force that stopped her from committing suicide after a recent court verdict. Her statement comes in the wake of the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend the jail sentence of the convicted former BJP leader, Kuldeep Singh Sengar.
A Mother's Anguish and a Plea for Safety
In an emotional interview, the survivor described the immense pain caused by the High Court's order. "It was very painful. If I was not married and I did not have children, I would have committed suicide in front of the judge. The judge did not see the victim and gave the judgment," she told PTI Videos. Her words underscore the deep trauma and sense of injustice she feels.
Expressing extreme fear for her safety if Sengar is released, she made a startling proposition. She stated she is prepared to go to prison herself if it guarantees her security from the convict. "If the convict is being released from jail, then we should be sent to jail. If the convict comes out, I will complete the tenure on his behalf. We will at least be safe in that case. We will be unemployed but at least we will get food," she said, highlighting her desperation.
Family's Reaction and Legal Recourse
The survivor's family has vowed to continue their fight for justice. Her mother confirmed that their legal team will challenge the High Court's verdict in the Supreme Court. "We have faith in the Supreme Court and we hope it will give us justice," she asserted, placing their hopes in the country's apex court.
Adding to the family's distress, the survivor's sister revealed that threats against them persist. She mourned the loss of their father, who died in custody, and lamented the continuous ordeal the family is being subjected to despite the legal battle.
Understanding the Delhi High Court's Verdict
The Delhi High Court, on Tuesday, ordered the release of Kuldeep Singh Sengar on bail, pending the disposal of his appeal against his conviction. Sengar was sentenced to life imprisonment by a trial court in December 2019 for the rape of the minor girl in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh.
However, the court imposed strict conditions. The order directed that the former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA shall not come within a five-kilometre radius of the victim’s residence and is prohibited from threatening the survivor or her mother. The court warned that any violation would lead to automatic cancellation of his bail.
It is important to note that Sengar will remain in jail for now, as he is also serving a separate 10-year sentence in the case related to the custodial death of the rape survivor's father. He has not been granted bail in that connected matter.
The survivor has expressed a desire to meet President Droupadi Murmu to personally convey the depth of her suffering following this legal development. The case continues to be a stark reminder of the long and painful journey survivors of sexual assault often face in their quest for justice.
