The survivor in the high-profile Unnao rape case has taken a significant new step in her pursuit of justice. She has formally approached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging serious misconduct by the original investigating officer in her case. The officer, she claims, acted in collusion with the convicted former BJP MLA, Kuldeep Singh Sengar, to shield him and sabotage the probe.
Formal Complaint Lodged with the CBI
In a detailed complaint submitted to the CBI's headquarters in Delhi, the survivor has demanded the registration of a fresh First Information Report (FIR) against the investigating officer. She accuses the officer of deliberately ignoring crucial evidence and manipulating the investigation to benefit Sengar. This move underscores her long-standing assertion that the initial investigation was deeply flawed and biased.
The survivor specifically alleges that the investigating officer was "hand in glove" with the powerful accused. She points to the officer's failure to properly record her statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) before a magistrate, a critical legal step in such cases. Furthermore, she contends that the officer did not include vital sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the original charges, which weakened the case's foundation.
Allegations of Evidence Suppression and Witness Pressure
The complaint elaborates on several key instances of alleged sabotage. The survivor states that the investigating officer intentionally omitted crucial forensic evidence from the case records. This evidence, she believes, was pivotal and its absence severely compromised the prosecution's ability to present a watertight case against Sengar.
Beyond evidence, the survivor has raised alarming concerns about witness intimidation. She has accused the investigating officer of pressuring key witnesses to change their testimonies or turn hostile. This alleged coercion created an atmosphere of fear and obstructed the course of justice, making it incredibly difficult for her and her family to fight the powerful politician.
A Long and Arduous Legal Battle
This latest complaint is another chapter in the survivor's grueling and traumatic legal journey. Kuldeep Singh Sengar, the former BJP legislator from Bangarmau, was convicted in December 2019 for raping the minor survivor in 2017. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. The case garnered national outrage, not only for the horrific crime but also for the subsequent tragic car crash in July 2019 that left the survivor critically injured and killed two of her aunts.
The survivor's fight has been marked by immense personal risk and systemic hurdles. Her father died in judicial custody after being brutally assaulted, allegedly by Sengar's brother. The family had to be provided with extensive security due to persistent threats. Her appeal to the CBI now focuses on holding accountable those within the system who she believes actively worked to deny her justice during the initial stages.
By seeking a new FIR and a transparent CBI probe into the conduct of the investigating officer, the survivor aims to highlight the alleged lapses and corruption in the original investigation. Her action sends a powerful message about the challenges victims face when the accused wield significant influence, and it reinforces the demand for impartial and fearless policing in cases of sexual violence.
