Survivor in Unnao Case Seeks Support, Alleges Identity Exposed by Sengar’s Family

Unnao Rape Survivor Alleges Threats from Sengar’s Family, Appeals for Support

The survivor of the 2017 Unnao rape case has appealed for public support, alleging that the daughters of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar and their supporters are exposing her identity on social media, putting her safety at risk.

In a video message, she said, “Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s two daughters and their supporters have, for the past few days, been exposing my identity online.” Sengar, a former Uttar Pradesh MLA, was convicted in December 2019 and sentenced to life imprisonment with a Rs 25 lakh fine.

Survivor’s appeal

Earlier, on January 1, the survivor urged people to stand with her beyond caste lines, highlighting a sustained online smear campaign against her and her husband. She claimed posts were circulating in support of Sengar at Jantar Mantar on January 11, allegedly organized by his daughters.

“I am also a daughter of this country. Please become my voice. A criminal has no caste,” she said, reaffirming her faith in the judicial system and urging society to support justice rather than a convicted offender.

Supreme Court intervenes

On December 29, the Supreme Court stayed a Delhi High Court order that had suspended Sengar’s life sentence and granted him bail. The apex court ruled he shall not be released from custody. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant heard the CBI’s plea, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta describing the case as a “horrific rape” of a minor, emphasizing accountability for the 15-year-old victim.

High Court bail and reactions

The Delhi High Court had granted bail, noting Sengar had served seven years and five months and questioning whether an elected representative qualifies as a “public servant” under the POCSO Act. Bail conditions included a Rs 15 lakh personal bond, restriction from entering a 5-km radius of the survivor’s residence, and a ban on threatening her or her family.

The order triggered protests from the survivor, her family, and activists.

Sengar’s daughter responds

Following the Supreme Court stay, Ishita Sengar, one of Sengar’s daughters, wrote an open letter expressing fear and exhaustion amid social media harassment. She said she had been repeatedly threatened online over the years, despite her family’s trust in the legal system.

Meanwhile, the survivor’s mother welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision and reiterated her demand for justice.