‘Won’t rest until he’s hanged’: Unnao survivor reacts to SC stay
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New Delhi: The survivor of the 2017 Unnao rape case on Monday expressed relief and satisfaction after the Supreme Court stayed the Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of convict Kuldeep Singh Sengar and granted him bail. The apex court, acting on a plea from the Central Bureau of Investigation challenging the high court’s decision, issued a notice to Sengar directing him to file his response.
“I am very happy with this decision. I have got justice from the Supreme Court. I have been raising my voice for justice from the very beginning,” the survivor told PTI from Delhi. She added, “I do not make allegations against any court. I have faith in all courts, but the Supreme Court has given me justice and will continue to do so.”
The survivor vowed to continue her fight until Sengar is executed. “I will not rest until he is hanged. I will keep fighting. Only then will my family and I get justice. We receive threats even today,” she said. Her family also expressed relief over the Supreme Court’s intervention.
“He is a monster. He first raped my sister and then destroyed the entire family. I am satisfied today. His bail should remain rejected,” said the survivor’s sister. Their mother thanked the court for the relief, adding that those responsible for her husband’s death should face the death penalty.
Sengar, a former Unnao legislator, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape case that had sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate on crimes against women and political accountability.
The convict’s younger daughter, Ishita Sengar, took to the social media platform X, sharing an emotional appeal for fair justice. She stated that her family has silently awaited justice for eight years and emphasised that they seek only impartial application of the law. “We are not seeking concession or sympathy. We demand justice simply because we are human beings,” she wrote. Her elder sister, Aishwarya Sengar, reposted the message, declaring, “We will fight, we will not lose.”
Political reactions followed the Supreme Court order. The CPI(ML) described the stay as a victory of people’s struggle. CPI(ML) state secretary Sudhakar Yadav said voices across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh had opposed the Delhi High Court verdict, and continuous protests by women, students, and youth organisations highlighted public outrage. He added that the Supreme Court decision had temporarily foiled the alleged conspiracies of the BJP government and stressed that Sengar should remain behind bars for life.
The Uttar Pradesh Congress also criticised the BJP for alleged demonstrations in support of Sengar. Sharing a video of the protest on X, the party termed it “shameless” and accused BJP leaders of prioritising vote bank and muscle power over daughters’ dignity. The Congress highlighted the survivor’s losses, including her father’s death in custody and the killing of her relatives, while alleging that BJP supporters protested to protect a convicted criminal. The party condemned the double standards, stating, “As long as the pain is in someone else’s home, they defend the criminal; when it reaches their door, they start invoking justice,” calling such politics unacceptable.
With PTI inputs
