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New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has decided to challenge the Delhi High Court’s order granting bail to Unnao rape convict and expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Sengar by approaching the Supreme Court. The investigative agency took the call after examining the ruling passed by a division bench of the Delhi High Court, which had suspended Sengar’s sentence while his appeal is pending.
“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 on Thursday, according to sources.
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court allowed Sengar’s bail plea but clarified that the order would not lead to his immediate release, as he continues to remain lodged in jail in connection with another case related to the death of the rape survivor’s father. While granting bail, the High Court imposed strict conditions on Sengar. It barred him from entering a five-kilometre radius of the survivor’s residence and directed him to remain in Delhi for the duration of the appeal proceedings.
“We are suspending the sentence. Personal bond of Rs 15 Lakh with three sureties of like amount. Not to come within 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 bail order has been opposed by both the CBI and the survivor along with her family, who have raised concerns over their safety. To protest the decision, the survivor and her family members staged a demonstration at Delhi’s India Gate, from where they were later removed by the Delhi Police.
Reiterating its stand, the CBI said it had already flagged security concerns related to the victim’s family and had consistently opposed Sengar’s bail plea during the hearings. “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 CBI said.
