New Delhi: In a significant development in the infamous Unnao rape case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has announced its intent to challenge the bail granted to convicted former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar.
The agency plans to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court’s recent order, which not only approved Sengar’s bail but also suspended his sentence.
Sengar, who was found guilty of the 2017 rape of a minor girl from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, has been at the centre of a protracted legal battle marked by allegations of intimidation and violence. The Delhi High Court’s Division Bench decision came despite vehement opposition from both the CBI and the victim’s family, who cited grave security threats and ongoing risks to their lives. During the hearings, the CBI submitted detailed arguments, emphasising the severity of the crime and the need to prioritise justice for the survivor.
A CBI spokesperson reiterated that the case’s gravity demands unwavering commitment to the victim’s cause. “This is a grave matter, and delivering justice remains our top priority,” the agency stated, following a comprehensive review of the High Court’s ruling.
The move underscores the CBI’s determination to ensure accountability in high-profile cases involving powerful figures.
As the petition heads to the apex court, it could set precedents on bail in sensitive sexual assault convictions. Legal experts anticipate a heated debate, given the case’s history of twists, including the tragic death of the victim’s father in custody and attempts on her life.
This escalation comes amid growing calls for stricter enforcement against influential offenders, keeping the spotlight on India’s judicial response to gender-based violence.