Unnao rape case: Kshatriya groups hold 'Justice Mahapanchayat', voice support for Kuldeep Sengar

New Delhi: A 'Justice Mahapanchayat' was organized on Sunday at Jantar Mantar in Delhi in support of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, who was convicted in the Unnao rape case. Hundreds of members from various Kshatriya organizations attended the Mahapanchayat wearing black armbands and demanded justice for Sengar, claiming he was "innocent."

What happened at the Mahapanchayat?

During the Mahapanchayat, the organizers clearly stated that they would launch a large-scale movement if necessary. Talking to the media, Avnish Singh, the national president of the All India Kshatriya Mahasabha Yuva, termed the entire case a "conspiracy."

What did the National President of the Kshatriya Mahasabha Yuva say?

The national president of the All India Kshatriya Mahasabha Yuva said that he is not personally connected to Sengar or the victim, but after observing the voices rising from Unnao for the past seven years and the available evidence, he is convinced that a "people's leader" has been framed.

"I didn't invite anyone; I just sent a message, and despite not getting permission, thousands of people gathered here," Avnish said.

Avnish said that when someone works for the people, conspiracies are hatched against them. 

"We are demanding justice because an innocent person is imprisoned," he said. 

The Mahapanchayat was held at a time when the CBI and the victim have approached the Supreme Court challenging the bail granted to Sengar by the High Court.

Why were questions raised about the CBI's role?

Avnish questioned the CBI's role in the matter. He said that since the investigating agency had initially declared Sengar guilty, it is trying to prove him guilty till the very end. 

"We accepted the trial court's decision; we didn't launch any movement. But when the High Court granted bail, the CBI and the victim should have accepted it," he said.

"Due to the propaganda and false uproar created by the victim on the streets of Delhi, the CBI had to go to the Supreme Court. We are the victims, and we are appealing to the Supreme Court for justice. The victim had appealed to the Kshatriya community for justice," Avnish added. 

“The time has come to end this matter. Both families have lost a lot. People have passed away from both sides. I humbly request the victim to stop burning in the fire of revenge and stop the propaganda.”

Avnish strongly objected to the incidents of revealing the victim's photo and identity on social media

“Revealing the identity of any sister or daughter is completely wrong. Our Mahasabha or any organization has not done this. If someone has done it individually, I oppose it,” he said.

What is the case against Kuldeep Sengar?

The Unnao rape case came into the spotlight in 2017 when the victim accused Sengar of rape. Sengar was sentenced to life imprisonment by the lower court, but recently the High Court granted him bail. The case is now in the Supreme Court. This protest by the Kshatriya organizations could bring a new twist to the case, where on one hand the victim is fighting for justice, and on the other hand, Sengar's supporters are claiming a conspiracy.