BJP MLA rape case: Victim's father dies; magisterial probe ordered

Unnao (UP): The father of an 18-year-old woman, who alleged that she was raped by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his brothers, today died in custody here, prompting her to charge that he was killed inside the jail at the behest of the lawmaker. Pappu Singh, around 50, was rushed to a hospital from the district jail last night and died during treatment today.

District Magistrate Ravi Kumar NG said that the postmortem examination of the victim would be conducted by a panel of doctors to ascertain the exact cause of death. After her father’s death, the gang-rape victim alleged that he was “killed at the behest of the BJP MLA” inside the jail.

“We were getting threats and they killed my father,” she told reporters. UP cabinet minister and government spokesman Srikant Sharma told reporters here that a magisterial probe had been ordered. “If the allegations are true, it’s a very unfortunate incident. For a fair probe, the inquiry has been shifted to Lucknow from Unnao. The state government is committed to ensuring justice to the victim’s family,” he said.

Superintendent of Police, Unnao, Pushpanjali said four accused — Sonu, Baua, Vinit and Shailu — named in the FIR had been arrested and Makhi police station SHO Ashok Kumar Singh had been suspended. Director General of Police O P Singh said a team of Lucknow police had been constituted to probe the entire matter.

“Whosoever is found guilty, strict action will be taken. None will be spared. Pappu was arrested on April 5 under the Arms Act after he was allegedly beaten up by Anil Singh, the MLA’s brother. The daughter of the deceased had yesterday tried to immolate herself near the chief minister’s residence in Lucknow, alleging that she was raped by the BJP MLA and his brothers.

The immolation bid was, however, foiled by the police. Attacking the BJP government, Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav said in a tweet, “In (UP) state a girl, going for coaching classes is being shot dead…Another girl accusing BJP MLA of gangrape tried to immolate herself in front of CM’s residence after disappointment from the government. Is this fear of the government of ‘encounter’ that instead of criminals, woman are getting terrified?(sic)”

Gautampalli police station inspector Vijaysen Singh said, “The incident took place outside the Golf Club gate (near the official residence of the chief minister), where the girl from Unnao alleged that she was raped. She also alleged that the Unnao police had not registered a case against the BJP MLA despite her complaint and no action was taken.”

Sengar represents the Bangermau constituency in Unnao district, around 90 km from the state capital. The police inspector said the girl was made to appear before Rajiv Krishan, the Additional Director General of Police, Lucknow, who ordered a probe by the Lucknow police.

When contacted, Sengar refuted the allegations against him and said, “It is a conspiracy hatched by my political opponents to tarnish my image and damage my reputation…I have no problem with any probe. Let a probe be conducted, and the guilty be given the stringent punishment. If I am found guilty in the probe, I am ready to face punishment.”