The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday moved the Supreme Court to challenge the Delhi High Court’s decision granting bail to Unnao rape convict and expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Sengar. The agency said it decided to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) after reviewing the High Court’s orders.
“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 before the Hon’ble Supreme Court at the earliest against the orders granting bail to KD Sengar by suspension of his sentence,” the agency said.
The Delhi High Court had on Tuesday suspended Sengar’s sentence and granted him bail while his appeal is pending. However, the order does not immediately result in his release, as he remains in custody for a separate conviction related to the death of the rape survivor’s father.
The High Court also imposed strict conditions on Sengar’s bail. He has been directed not to enter a five-kilometre radius of the victim’s residence and to remain in Delhi during the pendency of his appeal. The court also set a personal bond of Rs 15 lakh with three sureties of the same amount.
“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 found guilty,” the court stated.
The bail decision was opposed both by the CBI and the Unnao survivor and her family. Citing safety concerns, the survivor’s family staged a protest at Delhi’s India Gate, where they were later dispersed by the police.
The CBI also raised concerns about the family’s safety and said it had submitted timely replies and written arguments in the case. “The family of the victim has opposed the petition, citing safety and threats. The CBI will immediately challenge this order,” the agency said.