Delhi HC rejects rape convict Kuldeep Sengars plea seeking suspension of sentence in custodial death case

PTC News Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday rejected plea by ex BJP MLA and rape convict Kuldeep Sengar to suspend his 10-year sentence in the custodial death of the survivor’s father.

The rejection comes weeks after the Supreme Court paused the Delhi High Court's order suspending Sengar's life sentence in 2017 Unnao sexual assault case. 

Sengar requested the suspension of his sentence while his appeal against the 2019 conviction is heard, arguing that he has already spent a long time in jail and that his health has worsened, citing diabetes, cataracts and retinal detachment. He also sought permission to receive treatment at AIIMS instead of Tihar Jail. However, both the CBI and the survivor opposed the plea, stressing the seriousness of the crimes, which involved abduction and assault leading to a custodial death.

The CBI additionally stated that Sengar had played a role in efforts to silence the survivor’s family.

On March 13, 2020, the trial court sentenced Sengar to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a ₹10 lakh fine for the custodial death of the Unnao rape survivor’s father. The court noted that there could be “no leniency” in a case involving the killing of a family’s “sole breadwinner.” Sengar’s brother, Atul Singh Sengar, and five other accused were also given 10-year prison terms for their part in the death.

The survivor’s father had been arrested on charges under the Arms Act at Sengar’s direction and died on April 9, 2018, due to severe police assault while in custody.