Delhi High Court Directs Jaideep Sengar to Surrender in Custodial Death Case
The Delhi High Court issued a firm directive on Friday, ordering Jaideep Sengar, the brother of convicted Unnao rape case perpetrator Kuldeep Sengar, to surrender before jail authorities. This order comes in connection with his conviction in the high-profile custodial death case involving the father of the rape survivor.
Court Rejects Bail Extension Plea on Medical Grounds
A bench comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja was hearing an urgent plea filed by Jaideep Sengar, seeking an extension of his interim bail. The bail had been granted following the suspension of his ten-year prison sentence. The bench meticulously noted that the interim bail, initially granted in July 2024, was last extended in April 2025.
The court observed that despite five subsequent hearing dates, no judicial order had been passed to further extend the bail or suspend his sentence. This procedural gap formed a critical basis for the court's decision.
"You Surrender and Then We Will See," Says Bench
During the proceedings, senior counsel representing Jaideep Sengar vigorously argued for an extension of his client's release, citing severe health concerns. The counsel emphasized that Sengar is battling stage IV oral cancer, a life-threatening condition with signs of recurrence, necessitating continuous and specialized medical care.
However, the bench responded with a clear and unambiguous directive: "You surrender and then we will see." The court elaborated in its order, stating, "Although there is no extension of interim suspension of sentence granted, we find he has still not surrendered. Before we proceed to consider his application for further extension of suspension of sentence, we require the appellant to first surrender."
In response, the senior counsel assured the court that Jaideep Sengar would comply and surrender by Saturday. The court has subsequently listed the matter for a hearing next week.
Background of the Case and CBI's Opposition
Jaideep Sengar, aged 50, had sought the bail extension primarily on the grounds of his critical medical condition. His application detailed the diagnosis of stage IV oral cancer and the urgent need for ongoing medical treatment.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had previously opposed any extension of interim bail for Jaideep Sengar. The investigative agency argued that his case was not suitable for such relief, alleging that the medical prescription submitted in support of his plea was fabricated. This contention added a layer of complexity to the proceedings.
The plea also informed the court that Jaideep Sengar has already spent approximately four years in custody. The high court had originally granted him interim bail on July 3, 2024, for a period of two months on medical grounds.
The Broader Unnao Case Context
This development is intricately linked to the notorious Unnao rape case. Kuldeep Sengar, the primary convict, was found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life on December 20, 2019, for the rape of a minor in 2017.
In a related verdict on March 13, 2020, both Kuldeep Sengar and his brother Jaideep Sengar were sentenced to ten years of rigorous imprisonment by the trial court. The court also imposed a substantial fine of Rs 10 lakh in the custodial death case of the rape survivor's father.
The survivor's father was arrested under the Arms Act, allegedly at the behest of the accused. He tragically died in custody on April 9, 2018, due to police brutality. The trial court, in its judgment, emphasized that no leniency could be shown for the killing of a family's sole breadwinner, underscoring the gravity of the crime.
The Delhi High Court's latest order reinforces the judicial process, ensuring that legal procedures are followed meticulously, even in cases involving severe health claims. The upcoming hearing will likely address the merits of the bail extension plea following Sengar's surrender.
