'Exposing my identity': Unnao Rape Survivor Pleads for Help; Blames Sengar's Daughters

The survivor of the 2017 Unnao rape case has made a public plea for support, alleging a smear campaign against her and her family orchestrated by the daughters of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the expelled BJP leader convicted in the case. In an emotional video message, the survivor expressed fear and demanded wider public support, urging people to disregard caste barriers and stand with her.

The Unnao rape case, which dates back to 2017, saw a minor girl approach Kuldeep Singh Sengar, then a BJP MLA, for a job. She was subsequently raped, and the case spiraled into a saga of alleged political influence and violence. The survivor's father died in custody, and several of her relatives were killed in a 2019 accident. Sengar was sentenced to life imprisonment in December 2019 for the rape.

The recent resurgence of the case in the public eye follows a Delhi High Court order that had suspended Sengar's life sentence, a decision that was later stayed by the Supreme Court. The High Court had initially cited a technicality regarding Sengar's status as a public servant under the pre-2019 POCSO Act. The Supreme Court, however, raised concerns that this interpretation could potentially exempt lawmakers from aggravated penalties.

The survivor's recent plea highlights the continued threats and challenges she and her family face. She alleges that individuals identifying themselves as Sengar's supporters have been running a smear campaign against her and her husband on social media. The survivor also claimed that a "Kshatriya conference" in support of Sengar was planned at Jantar Mantar on January 11 by Sengar's daughters.

In her video message, the survivor asserted her identity and rights, stating, "I am also a daughter of the Kshatriya community. I am also a daughter of this country. Please become my voice. A criminal has no caste". She urged the public to support her family, emphasizing that justice should prevail regardless of caste or social standing.

Meanwhile, Sengar's daughters have also voiced their opinions on the matter. Following the Supreme Court's stay on the suspension of Sengar's sentence, one of Sengar's daughters, Aishwarya Sengar, expressed her anguish and claimed that her family had been denied a fair hearing. She pointed to an "age-old enmity" between her family and the survivor's family, urging the media to question the evidence against her father. In late December, another daughter, Ishita Sengar, penned an open letter expressing her family's fear and dwindling faith in the justice system, claiming they have been dehumanized and ignored.

The Unnao rape survivor's fight for justice continues, marked by legal battles, allegations of threats and smear campaigns, and appeals for public support. The case remains a stark reminder of the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence, particularly when powerful individuals are involved. The Supreme Court is still hearing the case.