In a distressing turn of events, the survivor of the infamous 2017 Unnao rape case and her mother were reportedly prevented by security personnel from holding a protest near India Gate in Delhi on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The demonstration was aimed at expressing outrage over the Delhi High Court's recent decision to grant relief to the convicted former BJP MLA, Kuldeep Singh Sengar.
Security Intervention Halts Peaceful Protest
The mother of the survivor was allegedly manhandled as authorities moved to stop the protest. The family had sought to publicly voice their anguish and dissent against the court order that provided some measure of relief to Sengar, who is serving a life sentence for the crime. This incident has once again thrust the long-running case, which has captured national attention for years, back into the spotlight.
"We Are Not Safe": Family Voices Grave Fears
In the aftermath of the halted protest, the victim's family has expressed profound fear for their safety. They have alleged receiving threats from associates of the accused, stating they feel unprotected and vulnerable. The mother's emotional plea, "We are not safe," underscores the ongoing peril faced by survivors long after the initial crime, especially when powerful figures are involved. This claim highlights a critical failure in the witness and victim protection mechanisms within the legal framework.
Activists Condemn Move, Spotlight Systemic Failures
Human rights activists and women's groups have swiftly condemned the action of stopping the protest. They argue that it silences a survivor's right to peaceful assembly and dissent, further traumatizing the family. This episode has ignited fresh debates on several fronts:
- Accountability of the powerful within the political and judicial system.
- The effectiveness of legal processes in delivering timely justice to sexual assault survivors.
- The urgent need for robust and enforceable protection mechanisms for victims and their families who often face intimidation.
The Unnao case remains a stark symbol of the struggles survivors endure in their quest for justice. It continues to raise urgent questions about whether the system is equipped to ensure their safety and uphold their rights throughout the arduous legal journey.
