Unnao Rape Case: CBI Moves Supreme Court, Challenges Kuldeep Sengar's Bail in Father's Death Case

In a significant development that reopens a painful chapter in India's legal landscape, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally approached the Supreme Court. Their mission? To challenge the bail granted to Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the disgraced former BJP MLA, in one of the many intertwined cases stemming from the horrific Unnao incident. Specifically, this move targets the bail he received from the Delhi High Court in the case related to the death of the minor victim's father.

It's a move that many have been anticipating, given the sheer gravity and public outcry surrounding Sengar's past actions. Sengar, as many will recall, stands convicted and is currently serving a life sentence for the rape of a minor girl in Unnao. However, this particular challenge focuses on a separate, though deeply connected, charge: the death of the victim's father while in judicial custody back in April 2018. The father had allegedly been severely beaten by Sengar's brother, Atul Singh Sengar, and his associates, ultimately leading to his demise. Kuldeep Sengar himself was accused of orchestrating that brutal assault.

The Delhi High Court had, earlier this year on January 27, 2023, granted Sengar bail in this very case. The reasoning cited by the High Court leaned on humanitarian grounds, pointing to his over four years of incarceration and, notably, his wife's ongoing battle with cancer. For many, this decision raised eyebrows, prompting questions about the balance between compassion and justice in cases of such high stakes and public notoriety.

However, the investigative agency firmly believes that Sengar's release, even on bail, poses a significant risk. In their special leave petition (SLP) to the Supreme Court, the CBI has vehemently argued against the Delhi High Court's decision. They highlight the extremely serious nature of the allegations against Sengar, emphasizing the potential for witness tampering and obstruction of justice should he be out of prison. Moreover, the CBI rightly points out that Sengar is already serving a life term for the primary rape conviction, underscoring the severity of his criminal history and the danger he potentially represents.

This legal tussle in the Supreme Court isn't just about one man's bail; it's a profound test of the justice system itself. It’s about ensuring accountability, protecting vulnerable witnesses, and ultimately, delivering a semblance of closure and justice to the victim's family, who have endured unimaginable trauma and loss. As the highest court in the land now considers the CBI's plea, all eyes will be on its verdict, understanding its far-reaching implications for similar cases involving powerful figures and the pursuit of justice.