Rape Survivor Protests Bail for Former MLA
A woman who survived rape in Unnao said she felt like ending her life. She shared these words on Tuesday evening while sitting at India Gate in Delhi. This happened hours after the Delhi High Court gave bail to Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Sengar is a former MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) from Uttar Pradesh. He was accused in a 2017 rape case.
The survivor protested at India Gate with her mother and women's rights activist, Yogita Bhayana. She said the court's decision made her feel unsafe. She also felt let down by the justice system.
She told news agency ANI that the bail timing seemed political. She believes it is connected to the Uttar Pradesh elections in 2027.
Survivor's Concerns and Demands
- She stated, "This is unfair to us. Elections are near, and he got bail so his wife can run for office."
- She asked, "If a person accused of rape is free, how can we be safe?"
- She wants the bail to be stopped. Her family is scared since the court order.
- Even with her sadness, she still trusts the legal system. She plans to go to the Supreme Court.
- "I trust the Supreme Court," she said. "But we are afraid now that he is out."
Later, Delhi Police took the protesters away from India Gate. Pictures showed the survivor, her mother, and the activist being carried to a police bus. They were asking officers to let them keep protesting.
Activist Questions Bail Decision
Yogita Bhayana, the women's rights activist, asked why Sengar was given bail. She said the survivor and her family have been alone in their long fight for justice.
- Bhayana said, "They have faced problems from the start. What changed today that the accused got bail?"
- She added, "People accused of rape are getting bail, but innocent people stay in jail. The family is in danger now that he is free."
Survivor's Sister Shares Fears
The survivor's sister also spoke against the bail. She said unknown men were seen near their home. These men were threatening her family.
She mentioned other cases connected to Sengar:
- "He killed my uncle."
- "Then my father."
- "Then this happened to my sister."
She added, "He is free, but we are still in danger. If we were in jail, at least we would be alive."
Court's Decision on Bail
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court put Sengar's sentence in the rape case on hold. This will last while he appeals his conviction. Earlier, a CBI court found him guilty of raping a young girl and sent him to jail for life.
Two judges, Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, gave him bail. But he must pay a bail bond of 15 lakh rupees.
However, Sengar will stay in jail for now. This is because he has not received bail in another case. This separate case is about the death of the survivor's father while he was in police custody. Sengar was sentenced to 10 years in this case. His appeal and a request to stop his sentence are still waiting in the Delhi High Court.
