Unnao Rape Case: BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar Sent to 7-Day CBI Custody
The case was handed over to the CBI on Friday amid mounting pressure against the state government.
Lucknow, April 14: BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, accused of raping a teenager in Unnao along with his accomplices, has been sent to seven-day CBI custody by the court on Saturday.
Sengar, 50, was arrested on Friday, shortly after the Central Bureau of Investigation began its probe into the rape case. The lawmaker from Bangarmau has so far claimed innocence, alleging he is being "wrongly framed" by the victim's family.
Earlier, the UP police had arrested Sengar's brother Atul Singh on charges of assaulting the victim's father, who died under police custody on Monday.
The deceased, identified as 50-year-old Pappu Yadav, was arrested last week on dubious charges levelled under the Arms Act. Before his arrest, Yadav was allegedly assaulted by the MLA's brother and his aides. The autopsy report confirms "fatal blows" to be the reason for his death.
The case was handed over to the CBI after pressure mounted on the Yogi Adityanath-led government to act against its lawmaker, who had been evading arrest so far.
The Allahabad High Court, which took suo moto cognizance of the case, rapped the state government on Friday for failing to arrest the MLA despite the heinous charges levelled against him.
The alleged rape was perpetrated against the 18-year-old on June 9 last year. The victim claims she had first approached the police on June 13. Finding no avail, she reached out to the higher authorities, including the Chief Minister in August.
The case drew media attention after the victim attempted suicide outside the CM's residence last week. A day after, her father succumbed to the assault injuries while being lodged under police custody.
The Opposition lashed out at the BJP government, demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take stern action against his party leaders "who are shielding the accused". Breaking his silence, PM Modi on Friday said "our daughters will get justice".
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 14, 2018 07:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).