The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is preparing to challenge the bail granted to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Supreme Court, following strong public outrage. This comes a day after the Delhi High Court suspended his life sentence in the 2017 Unnao rape case, a move the survivor called “death” for her family’s justice and security.
The High Court’s Bail Order and Conditions
Why was a convict serving a life sentence granted bail? The Delhi High Court suspended Sengar’s sentence on Tuesday, citing that his appeal against his conviction was still pending. However, the court imposed strict conditions for his release. He was directed to furnish a personal bond of ₹15 lakh with three sureties of the same amount. Importantly, he was prohibited from entering a five-kilometre radius around the rape survivor’s home in Delhi and was warned not to threaten her or her mother. However, despite the bail order, Sengar remains in jail as he is serving a separate 10-year sentence in the custodial death case of the survivor’s father.
Survivor’s Anguish and Allegations of Political Motive
How did the survivor react to her rapist getting bail? The decision was met with devastation and fury by the Unnao rape survivor. She alleged that the timing of the bail, ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections, was politically motivated to enable Sengar’s wife to contest polls. “Injustice has been done to us… If the convict gets bail in a case like this, how will the country’s daughters remain safe? For us, this decision is no less than ‘kaal’ (death),” she told ANI. She also expressed grave concerns for her family’s safety, stating she has small children, an elderly mother-in-law, and her husband at home.
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CBI’s Immediate Counter and Legal Road Ahead
After the High Court’s ruling, what comes next? The CBI, which looked into the matter, has made the decision to oppose the bail order in the Supreme Court right away. The step is in line with the survivor’s vow to fight the ruling in the apex court. The agency will contest the suspension of Sengar’s life sentence before the Supreme Court, where the case will now be heard. By underlining the seriousness of the offence and judicial finality, the appeal seeks to ensure he completes his sentence.
FAQs: Understanding the Unnao Case Developments
Q: Why is Kuldeep Sengar still in jail if he got bail?
A: He is still incarcerated because he received a separate 10-year term for his role in the rape survivor’s father’s death while in custody. Only convictions in rape cases are eligible for bail.
Q: What are the main conditions of Sengar’s bail?
A: Among the key conditions are a ₹15 lakh bond, a ban on coming within five kilometres of the survivor’s Delhi residence, and a warning against threatening her or her mother.
Q: What did the survivor say about the bail order?
A: Fearing for her family’s safety, she described it as “death” and an injustice, claiming it was deliberately scheduled for the 2027 UP elections.
Q: What is the CBI’s next step?
A: The CBI is preparing to file an appeal in the Supreme Court to challenge the Delhi High Court’s order that suspended Sengar’s life sentence and granted him bail.
