What began as a quiet protest by the Unnao rape survivour in the heart of the national capital quickly turned into a flashpoint, raising questions about justice, power, and the treatment of survivours. The woman, accompanied by her mother and a women’s rights activist, was stopped from demonstrating at India Gate after the Delhi High Court suspended the sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar.

The court’s order allows Sengar convicted in the 2017 rape of a minor to be released on bail while his appeal is heard. Though strict conditions were imposed, including a ban on approaching the survivour’s home within a five-kilometre radius, the decision deeply unsettled the survivour, who has said the ruling has worsened fears for her family’s safety.

Late Tuesday night, security personnel detained the survivor and her mother at India Gate, citing lack of permission to protest. The next morning, as they attempted to speak to the media at Mandi House, the bus carrying them did not stop. In disturbing scenes caught on camera, the survivor’s elderly mother was forced off the vehicle while it was still in motion. There were no women security personnel present at the time.

Mother of Unnao Rape Survivour Alleges Intimidation

“We did not get justice. My daughter has been held captive. It seems they want to kill us,” the mother said, alleging intimidation and mistreatment.

Reacting to the court’s decision earlier, the survivor told PTI, “If the convict gets bail in a case like this, how will the country’s daughters remain safe? For us, this decision is no less than ‘kaal’ (death).” She added, “Those with money win, those without money lose.”

The survivor has since reached the residence of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and is expected to meet Rahul Gandhi, even as she prepares to challenge the High Court order in the Supreme Court.

UP Minister mocked Unnao survivor, sparks outrage

The controversy deepened after Uttar Pradesh minister OP Rajbhar responded dismissively when asked about the survivor being removed from India Gate, laughing and saying, “But her home is in Unnao…” His remark drew widespread criticism.

Sengar, expelled from the BJP after his arrest, remains in jail due to a separate 10-year sentence related to the custodial death of the survivor’s father. His bail in the rape case, however, has reopened painful memories of a case marked by threats, loss, and prolonged struggle.

Eight years after the crime, the survivour’s fight continues now once again under the glare of national attention.