The Delhi High Court rejected former BJP MLA and Unnao rape convict Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s plea to suspend his 10‑year sentence in the custodial death case of the survivor’s father.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja clarified that Sengar’s appeal against his 2019 trial court conviction will be heard later, yet his sentence will continue. Moreover, Sengar argued that prolonged incarceration and deteriorating health conditions—including diabetes, cataracts, and retinal detachment—justified suspension. He also requested medical treatment at AIIMS outside Tihar Jail.
However, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) opposed the plea, stressing the seriousness of the offences. In addition, the survivor resisted the request, pointing out that Sengar attempted to silence her family.
On March 13, 2020, a trial court sentenced Sengar to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹10 lakh. Furthermore, his brother, Atul Singh Sengar and five others also received 10‑year sentences for their involvement. The survivor’s father had been arrested under the Arms Act at Sengar’s behest and died in custody on April 9, 2018, due to police brutality. The trial court emphasised that no leniency could be shown for the killing of a family’s sole breadwinner.
Recently, the High Court’s rejection came weeks after the Supreme Court paused its earlier order suspending Sengar’s life sentence in the 2017 rape case. Consequently, Sengar remains in jail for both the custodial death case and the rape case.
Ultimately, the Kuldeep Sengar custodial death case underscores the gravity of crimes committed by powerful figures and reinforces the judiciary’s firm stance against leniency in such matters.
