Unnao rape case: SC takes cognisance of survivor's letter to CJI alleging threats, to take matter up on Thursday

The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, took cognisance of Unnao rape survivor's letter addressed to Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and sought a report from its secretary-general as to why it had not been brought to his notice.

The 19-year-old rape survivor, in her letter to the CJI on July 12, had expressed apprehension of threat to her life. Speaking on the matter, CJI Gogoi said that it is unfortunate that the letter is yet to be read by him, while it is circulated in media.

"Unfortunately, the letter is yet to see the light of the day and yet the newspapers flashed it as if I have read the letter," Justice Gogoi said.

The CJI-led bench, also comprising of justices Deepak Gupta and Aniruddha Bose, stated that with the media circulating the letter, it gave the impression that no action was taken by the top court. The bench also assured to take action in the "highly volatile situation". 

READ | Unnao Rape Survivor Accident: Centre Hands Over Case To CBI

This development came after senior advocate V Giri, who is assisting the court in the suo motu case on alarming rise in child rapes, sought urgent hearing of the Unnao rape case. Meanwhile, the top court has asked the Uttar Pradesh authorities to file a status report by Thursday on the accident of the Unnao rape case victim. Furthermore, the matter has been listed for hearing on Thursday in the court. 

Unnao rape survivor writes to CJI

As per reports, a copy of the letter, which was written by the survivor and two of her family members, was also sent to the Allahabad High Court and Uttar Pradesh government authorities. It claimed that some people have been threatening the family of the rape survivor and the men are allegedly associated with the BJP MLA. Signed by the girl, her mother and aunt, the letter stated that on July 7 few relatives of the BJP MLA Senger came to their house and threatened them.

Unnao rape survivor's accident

The 19-year-old woman, who was allegedly raped by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar two years ago in 2017 at his residence in Unnao, met with a car accident on Sunday in which two of her aunts died. She and her advocate suffered serious injuries after their car was hit by a speeding truck in Raebareli. Her family has claimed conspiracy behind the car crash.

CBI books Kuldeep Senger and 10 others

On Wednesday, July 31, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR against suspended-BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and 10 others in connection with the accident. Furthermore, the CBI also registered a case against 20 unknown persons under criminal conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder & criminal intimidation in the matter.

READ | Unnao Rape Survivor's Accident: CBI Registers FIR Against BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar And 10 Others

(With PTI inputs)