New Delhi: Tension erupted in the national capital after CRPF and Delhi Police personnel allegedly assaulted and detained the mother of the Unnao rape survivor during a protest opposing the grant of bail to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar.
The incident occurred a day after the Delhi High Court suspended Sengar’s life sentence and granted him bail pending disposal of his appeal. On Wednesday, security personnel reportedly prevented the Unnao rape survivor and her elderly mother from addressing the media in Delhi.
The victim’s mother was allegedly forced to get down from a moving bus and was later detained, drawing sharp criticism from activists and opposition leaders. The police also blocked a scheduled press conference by the survivor and her family.
The incident took place a day after the Delhi High Court stayed the life imprisonment awarded to Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The court suspended the sentence until the appeal is decided, subject to certain conditions.
Protest against court order
On Tuesday, the survivor, her mother and women’s rights activist Yogita Bhayana staged a protest at India Gate against the High Court’s decision to grant bail to Sengar. They demanded immediate cancellation of the bail, citing serious threats to the survivor and her family.
However, the protest was disrupted when police allegedly used force to disperse the demonstrators. Reports suggest that the survivor’s mother was taken into custody, triggering widespread outrage on social media and among civil rights groups.
Allegations by survivor and activists
Speaking during the protest, the survivor alleged that Sengar was granted bail with an eye on the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. She said the release of a convicted rape accused posed a grave threat to her life and the safety of her family. The survivor announced that she would approach the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the bail order.
In an emotional statement, the survivor’s mother reportedly said, “We have not received justice. They are treating my daughter like a prisoner. We are not safe. If Sengar’s bail is not cancelled, we will be forced to give up our lives.”
Activist Yogita Bhayana strongly condemned the police action, questioning the treatment meted out to the survivor’s family. “Is this justice? An elderly woman has been thrown onto the road. She is crying and calling us for help. The survivor has been left alone inside a bus,” she alleged.
Police clarification
Delhi Police officials later stated that no permission had been granted for protests at India Gate or Mandi House. “As there was no official permission, the protesters were detained,” officials said, defending the police action.
About the case
Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former BJP MLA, was convicted in the 2017 Unnao rape case and sentenced to life imprisonment. On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court suspended his sentence, noting that he had already served seven years and five months in prison.
A bench comprising Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar granted bail subject to strict conditions, including furnishing a personal bond of Rs 15 lakh along with three sureties of the same amount.
The developments have reignited national debate over survivor safety, judicial accountability and the handling of sensitive cases involving sexual violence.
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