Unnao rape case: Protests erupt outside Delhi High Court over suspension of Kuldeep Sengar’s jail term

New Delhi: A group of activists and family members of the Unnao rape survivor staged a protest outside the Delhi High Court on Friday, condemning the recent decision to suspend the sentence of convict Kuldeep Sengar.

Demonstrators, including members of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) and activist Yogita Bhayana, held placards and chanted slogans such as “Balatkariyo ko sanrakshan dena band kro” (stop protecting rapists), demanding accountability and justice.

The protest follows the Delhi High Court's order on Tuesday, which directed the release of the former BJP MLA on bail pending the disposal of his appeal against his December 2019 conviction. While the court imposed conditions, including a restriction barring Sengar from entering within a five-kilometre radius of the victim’s residence, the decision has sparked outrage. However, Sengar will remain incarcerated as he is serving a separate 10-year sentence connected to the custodial death of the survivor's father, for which bail has not been granted.

The survivor's mother, who joined the demonstration, expressed deep anguish over the ruling. Speaking to the media, she stated that the decision had shattered the family's trust, although she clarified she was not blaming the entire judiciary but specifically the judges behind this order. "This is an injustice towards our family. We will approach the Supreme Court, as I have faith in it," she said, highlighting the immense suffering her daughter has endured.

Tensions rose at the site as Delhi Police personnel warned the group that demonstrations were prohibited in the High Court area, urging them to move to Jantar Mantar. Despite police warnings of strict action, the protesters maintained their stance. Activist Yogita Bhayana later took to social media platform X to amplify the cause, posting, "Staying silent is a crime."

(Inputs from PTI)