BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar finally named in Unnao rape case
In a long-awaited development, BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar has been booked for allegedly raping an 18-year-old woman last year in UP's Unnao. The FIR is registered at the Makhi police station, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the more stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. Amid widespread criticism, the UP government handed over the case to the CBI.
Earlier, in a midnight drama, Sengar met the police
In a dramatic late-night development, the UP BJP legislator had visited the Lucknow police on Wednesday. But, instead of arresting him, a policeman at the senior superintendent's office told Sengar that he would be contacted if needed. Sengar told reporters that he was being framed.
What are the woman's allegations against Sengar?
The alleged gang-rape by Sengar and his accomplices took place on July 4 last year. The MLA isn't formally named in the investigation. The victim insists that Sengar raped her, then promised her a job and threatened to kill her family. Further, she accused Sengar's brother Atul of attacking her father, who was later arrested under the Arms Act and died in judicial custody.
How has the case proceeded until now?
The day before her father's death, the victim tried to commit suicide in front of CM Adityanath's residence so that her plea would be heard. On Wednesday, the Allahabad HC took cognizance of the case and asked the state government for a response. It has been converted into a public interest litigation and the next hearing of the case is on Thursday.
What is Sengar's testimony?
Meanwhile, when reporters cornered him at the SSP's office, Sengar said he had just come to inquire whether his name appeared in the FIR. He insisted that he hasn't done any wrong. Earlier, Sengar's wife met the UP additional director general of police, claiming her husband was being framed and demanded a narco-analysis test on the victim.
What could be the future course of action?
As the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP state government has come under strong criticism, party chief Amit Shah met the CM in Lucknow earlier to assess the situation. BJP's central leadership is also thinking of expelling the MLA to ensure that the party's image isn't tarnished before the 2019 LS polls. Now, it remains to be seen if the victim gets a fair hearing.
