Supreme Court Withdraws Special Protection for Unnao Rape Case Witnesses

The Supreme Court has directed the withdrawal of special CRPF protection for the victim's family and witnesses in the 2017 Unnao rape case. However, protection for the victim will continue. The decision follows the conviction of the accused, reducing perceived threats. Local police may now provide necessary security.

In a significant move, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Central government to retract the special CRPF protection accorded to the family and witnesses connected to the 2017 Unnao rape case. This decision, made by the bench comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Prasanna B. Varale, emphasizes that security for the victim will continue until further directives are issued.

The bench stated that the ongoing protection for the victim's family and the witnesses may no longer be essential, given the conviction and life sentence already awarded to the accused. They clarified that individuals previously under special security could seek assistance from local law enforcement if they require protection.

The ruling came after Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the court that the perceived threats have diminished following the conviction of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Sengar was found guilty in December 2019 for raping a minor at his Unnao residence, a verdict that was under the rigorous scrutinization of both the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act. The Supreme Court had previously intervened in this case due to increasing reports of child rape in India, emphasizing its concern over such incidents.

(With inputs from agencies.)