Unnao rape case: CBI challenges Kuldeep Sengar's bail in Supreme Court

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday challenged the Delhi High Court's decision of granting bail to Unnao rape convict and expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Sengar in the Supreme Court. The investigative agency took the decision after going through the orders of the Delhi High Court's division bench.

"The CBI has studied the orders of the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court in the Unnao Rape Case and has decided to file an SLP (Special Leave Petition) before the Hon’ble Supreme Court at the earliest against the orders of the High Court granting bail to the accused KD Sengar by suspension of the sentence," the agency said.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted bail to Sengar, suspending his sentence while his appeal is pending. However, the order does not immediately ensure Sengar’s release because he remains in custody for a separate conviction relating to the death of the rape survivor’s father.

The High Court also set stringent conditions for Sengar’s bail, instructing him not to enter a five-kilometre



radius of the victim’s residence and to stay in Delhi during the pendency of his appeal.

"We are suspending the sentence. Personal bond of Rs 15 Lakh with three sureties of a like amount. Not to come within a 5-km radius of the residence of the victim. Directed to stay in Delhi during the pendency of the appeal. Ensure that he is available for completing the remaining part of the sentence if in case he is found guilty," the court said in a statement.

The decision to grant him bail was challenged by both the CBI and the Unnao survivor and her family. The latter cited her safety concerns and staged a protest in Delhi's India Gate, where they were removed by the Delhi Police.

The CBI, on the other hand, flagged the safety concerns of the family and earlier stated that it would challenge the bail order.

"CBI has filed timely replies and written arguments in this matter. The family of the victim has also opposed the petition, citing safety and threats. CBI will immediately challenge this order," the agency said.