New Delhi: In a significant development in the 2017 Unnao rape case, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted bail to former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, suspending his life sentence during the pendency of his criminal appeal.
A Division Bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vaidynathan Shankar passed the order while hearing Sengar’s challenge to his 2019 conviction by a Delhi trial court.
Strict Bail Conditions Imposed on Kuldeep Singh Sengar
While granting bail, the High Court imposed stringent conditions to ensure the safety of the survivor:
•Sengar shall not enter within a 5 km radius of the survivor
•He must stay in Delhi during the bail period
•Mandatory weekly appearance before police every Monday
•Any breach of conditions will lead to immediate cancellation of bail
Case Background: Kuldeep Singh Sengar Unnao Rape Incident
The case relates to the alleged kidnapping and rape of a 17-year-old minor by Kuldeep Singh Sengar between June 11 and June 20, 2017 in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. The survivor was later allegedly sold for ₹60,000 and recovered from Maakhi police station.
The prosecution claimed that following the incident, the survivor faced continuous threats and intimidation, allegedly at Sengar’s direction, to prevent her from reporting the crime.
An FIR was eventually registered under charges of rape, kidnapping, criminal intimidation, and relevant sections of the POCSO Act. Sengar was arrested after intervention by the Allahabad High Court.
Supreme Court Transfer & Trial Court Verdict
In August 2019, the Supreme Court transferred four related Unnao rape cases from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi, directing that the trial be conducted day-to-day and completed within 45 days.
In December 2019, the Delhi trial court convicted Sengar and sentenced him to life imprisonment, imposing a ₹25 lakh fine. The court observed that there were no mitigating factors and highlighted the breach of public trust by a sitting legislator.
The court also directed the CBI to ensure the protection, safety, and rehabilitation of the survivor and her family.
Accident Case and Discharge
The matter drew national attention after a truck without a number plate collided with the survivor’s vehicle, killing two of her aunts and critically injuring the survivor and her lawyer.
A separate case was filed against Sengar alleging conspiracy. However, in December 2021, a Delhi court discharged him, citing lack of prima facie evidence.
Legal Representation
Senior Advocates N Hariharan and Manish Vashisht, along with a large legal team, appeared for Kuldeep Singh Sengar.
The CBI was represented by Special Public Prosecutor Anubha Bhardwaj, while advocates Mehmood Pracha and others appeared for the complainant. Advocate Urvi Mohan represented the Delhi Commission for Women.
What Happens Next?
Although the Delhi High Court has suspended Sengar’s sentence and granted bail, his criminal appeal remains pending, and the final verdict will be decided after a full hearing.
For all upcoming updates related to Kuldeep Singh Sengar Rape Case. Keep in touch with FM News.
