New Delhi: The father of an 18-year-old rape survivor, who tried to self-immolate herself alleging rape by a veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator and subsequent police inaction, died on Monday under mysterious circumstances in Unnao jail in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
After being allegedly roughed up by accused leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s brother and accomplices a few days ago, the father sustained multiple injuries and died while being taken to Unnao district hospital.
According to the girl’s family, the father was killed inside the jail by supporters of the BJP MLA. He was lodged in jail after a clash broke out between the supporters of the MLA and the rape survivor’s family on April two.
“The girl’s father was sent to Unnao Jail after an altercation with the BJP MLA’s younger brother and the leader’s supporters. He was shifted to the district hospital by jail authorities after complaints of abdominal pain and vomiting. The father died in the early hours of Monday but the reasons behind his death could not be ascertained,” sources in Chief Minister’s (CM) office told Gulf News.
- Kuldeep Singh Sengar
The woman and her family had attempted suicide outside CM Yogi Adityanath’s residence in Lucknow on Sunday. The security personnel got hold of them before they could light fire after pouring kerosene oil on themselves.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the woman, she was raped by BJP Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Sengar in May last year.
Meanwhile, Unnao Superintendent of Police (SP) suspended Station House Officer (SHO) and four constables of Makhi police station.
Police also arrested four persons accused of beating the rape survivor’s father.
BJP MLA Sengar said some rivals were at work to tarnish his image.
“In politics, such things happen. Some rivals are out to tarnish my image. I have appealed to the police for a thorough probe,” he told media.
Sengar said a proper investigation into the matter will reveal the facts.
“I request the administration and police to conduct a proper investigation in this matter. I am sure facts will reveal the conspiracy to defame me. I am being defamed from pillar to post and a political conspiracy cannot be ruled out. I would wait for the official report on the matter,” he added.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala has described the development as “gruesome and barbaric.”
“This is indeed gruesome and barbaric. Humanity gets shamed as the rape victim attempts suicide and her father is beaten up and dies in police custody. Instead of arresting criminals, victims are being arrested by Uttar Pradesh’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government,” he told media.
