New Delhi, Dec 29 (UNI) In a significant development in the Unnao rape case, the All India Mahila Congress (AIMC) on Monday hailed the Supreme Court’s order staying the Delhi High Court’s suspension of the sentence awarded to former BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar, calling it a “victory of justice” and a reaffirmation of faith in the judiciary.
Addressing reporters here, AIMC president Alka Lamba alleged that there had been “systematic attempts to protect” the convicted former BJP leader, which, she claimed, resulted in a weak presentation of the case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) before the High Court.
“Today’s order by the Supreme Court is a victory of justice. There were efforts to shield Kuldeep Sengar, and that is why a weak case was argued, leading to the suspension of his sentence,” Lamba said.
She asserted that the Congress party had stood firmly with the rape survivor and her family from the very beginning. “The Congress party has been with the victim and her family right from day one and will continue to stand by them until justice is fully delivered,” she added.
Lamba also reminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his earlier commitment that those convicted of the rape of minors should face the strictest punishment.
“The Prime Minister had said that those convicted of raping minor girls should get capital punishment. That promise must not remain mere words,” she said, strongly opposing what she described as the “farce” of releasing or granting parole to convicts in cases of sexual crimes against minors.
“Such criminals should be given the death penalty directly,” she demanded.
The AIMC chief further alleged police high-handedness during protests against the High Court’s order. She claimed that hundreds of Mahila Congress workers who had staged demonstrations opposing the suspension of Sengar’s sentence were detained by the Delhi Police.
“Despite detentions and intimidation, our fight for justice will not stop,” Lamba said, adding that the party would continue to raise its voice not only for the Unnao survivor but also for other victims of sexual violence, including Ankita Bhandari.
Providing background to the party’s involvement in the case, Lamba revealed that senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi had personally met the rape survivor and her family in the past.
“Both Smt Sonia Gandhi and Shri Rahul Gandhi assured the victim and her family of all legal, moral and other support from the Congress party,” she said.
Kuldeep Singh Sengar, former BJP legislator, was convicted in the high-profile Unnao rape case, which had sparked nationwide outrage and debates over political patronage and accountability. The Supreme Court’s decision to stay the suspension of his sentence has been widely seen as a crucial step in ensuring that justice is not derailed in cases involving powerful accused.
Mahila Cong welcomes SC stay on Sengar’s sentence suspension
