File photo: Unnao rape case survivor speaking to media (Picture credit: ANI)
NEW DELHI: Unnao gangrape survivor and her mother met Rahul and Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday evening to seek help in their legal fight against convicted attacker Kuldeep Sengar who has been granted bail. The victim has also sought relocation to a Congress-ruled state for her safety.A day earlier, Delhi Police broke up the family’s protest at India Gate by dragging away the survivor. Rahul lamented that such police actions show that India, with its “dead economy”, is also turning into a “dead society”.The survivor is learnt to have expressed concerns about her safety, fearing she might be killed.Sources said Rahul Gandhi has promised to arrange a top lawyer for the survivor to fight her case in Supreme Court and help her move to a state governed by Congress. Rahul also agreed to look into her husband’s plea for a better job.After the meeting, the survivor, wearing a mask, told reporters that Rahul assured her of help and asked her not to lose hope. “I have also sought time from the PM and the President for a meeting… The President is a woman and would understand a woman’s pain.”She added, “This is the first time that a rape convict’s sentence has been suspended… The court showed sympathy with the convict and not with a victim of gangrape. This court order has weakened the daughters of the country. Sengar’s bail should be annulled. I fear for my safety despite CRPF security.” She said Rahul and Sonia’s eyes welled up as she spoke to them.In a post on X tagging a video of the police action, Rahul asked if such treatment of the victim of a heinous crime was “appropriate”, saying these actions are turning India into “a dead society”. Congress demanded that PM Modi, home minister Amit Shah and Delhi Police provide answers for the police action.Rahul called it “extremely disappointing and shameful” that the perpetrator in the case, former BJP MLA Kuldeep Senger, has been granted bail, saying it was especially distressing because the survivor is being repeatedly harassed and is living under the shadow of fear. “Is it her ‘fault’ that she has the courage to raise her voice for justice?” Rahul asked.The LoP said, “Bail for rapists, and treating survivors like criminals – what kind of justice is this?”
