The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday filed a special leave petition before the Supreme Court in vehement opposition to the conditional bail granted to accused in the 2017 Unnao rape case, Kuldeep Sengar, by the Delhi High Court, officials said.
Convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment with a fine of ₹25 lakh in December 2019, Sengar filed an appeal against the conviction in January, 2020, and a petition for suspension of sentence in March, 2022, before the Delhi High Court.
“This petition was vehemently opposed by the CBI and the victim through their councils,” said a source.
In an order dated December 23, the Delhi High Court suspended Sengar’s sentence pending disposal of the appeal and granted bail to the accused with certain conditions. However, he remains in jail for being sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for playing a role in the custodial death of the victim’s father.
The rape case has gained attention once again following Sengar’s bail, with protests against the Delhi High Court’s order gaining strength. Several women sat outside the High Court on Friday, holding placards that sought justice for the victim and raising slogans.
They were asked by the Delhi police to vacate the premises, saying: “We request the protestors to vacate the premises or there will be legal action against those who have gathered”.
Also Read: CBI to challenge suspension of Sengar’s life term in SC
Meanwhile, the rape survivor’s advocate, Mehmood Pracha, said they would be moving the Supreme Court, irrespective of what the CBI does. “We are also making preparations to go to the Supreme Court with a strong case, but the CBI is the main party,” he said.
They also plan to lodge a first information report with the CBI against officials who helped Sengar, Pracha said, adding that the CBI should take strict action against them. “After this judgement, no female child of the country will be safe,” he said, and implored people to protest for the protection of women in India.
On Thursday, two advocates had filed an appeal challenging the suspension of prison sentence of Sengar, a former BJP leader.
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