Evening News Wrap

Unnao Rape Survivor Finds Relief as Supreme Court Stays Sengar's Bail

In a significant development in the Unnao rape case, the Supreme Court (SC) has put a stay on the Delhi High Court's order that had suspended the life sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a former BJP MLA convicted in the 2017 rape of a minor. The order effectively prevents Sengar's release on bail.

The survivor of the heinous crime has expressed her relief and satisfaction with the Supreme Court's intervention. Speaking to the press, she affirmed her faith in the justice system and vowed to continue her fight until Sengar receives the "death penalty". "I will not rest until he is hanged. I will keep fighting. Only then will my family and I get justice. We receive threats even today," she stated. Her family members echoed her sentiments, expressing that their faith in the judicial system had been restored.

The Supreme Court's decision came in response to a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), challenging the High Court's order. A three-judge vacation bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, heard the case and issued a notice to Sengar, directing him to respond to the CBI's plea within two weeks. The bench emphasized that there were substantial questions of law involved in the case.

While the survivor and her family have welcomed the SC's stay order, their legal counsel, Mehmood Pracha, offered a more cautious perspective. He stated that the stay provided "a little time to breathe" but did not represent a complete victory, as the core merits of the case were yet to be examined by the apex court. Pracha also criticized the CBI for allegedly limiting its arguments and not consulting with the survivor's legal team.

Sengar was convicted in December 2019 for the rape of the Unnao survivor and sentenced to life imprisonment. While he was granted bail by the High Court in the rape case, he remains in jail as he is serving a 10-year sentence in a separate CBI case related to murder.

China Conducts Military Drills Near Taiwan, Simulating Blockade

Tensions in the Taiwan Strait have escalated as China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched extensive live-fire military drills around Taiwan on Monday. The exercises, dubbed "Justice Mission 2025," involve the deployment of naval vessels, fighter jets, bombers, drones, and missile systems in the waters and airspace surrounding the island.

The PLA's Eastern Theatre Command stated that the drills simulate a blockade of Taiwan's major ports, attacks on maritime targets, and defense against external interference. Colonel Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the Command, asserted that the exercises serve as a "stern warning" to Taiwan's "independence" separatist forces and external parties.

Taiwan's defense ministry has condemned the drills as "military intimidation" and an act of aggression. The ministry reported that it had detected numerous Chinese navy and coastguard ships, as well as warplanes, operating near the island. Taiwan's military has been placed on high alert and has initiated "rapid response exercises" to prepare for potential attacks.

The drills have sparked international concern, with some analysts suggesting that they blur the line between routine military exercises and preparations for a potential invasion. The exercises follow a recent announcement of a large arms sale to Taiwan by the United States, further fueling tensions between China and the U.S. China considers Taiwan to be a part of its sovereign territory and has not ruled out the use of military force to achieve reunification. The live-fire activities are scheduled to continue on Tuesday in five regions surrounding Taiwan. Aviation authorities in Taiwan have warned that over 100,000 passengers could be affected due to airspace restrictions.