UNNAO RAPE CASE:- KULDEEP SINGH SENGAR VS.

CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION CASE NO. 373/2019

SUBJECT:- BHARTIYA SAKSHYA ADHINIYAM, 2023

SUBJECT CODE:- 21LLT-415

SUBMITTED BY: VANSHIKA (21BCL1208)

UID:- 21BCL1208

SUBMITTED TO:- PROFESSOR DR. RADHIKA DEV VERMA

(The case discussed in this assignment was neither available on SCC (Supreme Court
Cases) nor on any other E-Court case databases. Additionally, AI tools, were also
restricted from providing records or information on this case due to policy regulations.
This case involves highly sensitive matters of privacy, as it pertains to the rape of a 17-year-
old minor girl. Due to the nature of the case, the Supreme Court has transferred it to a special
court for further proceedings, and public access to the case details has been limited to protect
the privacy of the individuals involved. So the assignment will only be based on my
individual research by news, podcasts, reports, and basic online information providers)
INTRODUCTION

The Unnao Rape Case stands as a deeply disturbing example of the pervasive issues related
to sexual violence in India, highlighting the failures of the justice system and the troubling
influence of political power in criminal cases. The case not only shocked the nation but also
revealed the systemic flaws that allow perpetrators to evade justice, particularly when they
have political connections. Here’s an in-depth look at the background, key events, evidence,
legal proceedings, and the broader implications for Indian society and its justice system.

Background of the Case:

The case centers around a young girl from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, who was allegedly raped in
2017 by Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a powerful politician and member of the ruling party at the
time. Despite the victim and her family repeatedly seeking justice, they were met with
indifference, threats, and hostility from local authorities. The girl's attempts to file a
complaint were ignored, and she faced immense pressure from the accused’s supporters, who
leveraged his political influence to suppress the investigation.

Timelines of the Case:

The Alleged Rape (2017): The case began in June 2017 when a 17 year old girl from
Makhi village in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh , accused Kuldeep Sengar of raping her. The
girl claimed that she was taken to Sengar’s residence by a woman named Shashi singh
under the pretext of securing employment there Sengar raped her, merely 7 days after
the incident she went missing, so the parents of the victim launched a complaint , he
was traced in Uttar Pradesh’s Auria on 20 th June , A Rape case was filed and three
new names came into light Shubham Singh, his driver Naresh Tiwari and one Brijesh
Yadav and MLA Kuldeep Sengar were alleged by the victim of raping her at his
residence. The girl’s family made multiple attempts to include the name of MLA in
the report with the police, but authorities, influenced by Sengar's political clout,
refused to take action. It was only after the case gained national attention in 2018 that
a formal investigation was launched.
The Father's Death in Custody (2018): Almost a year later in april In a tragic turn
of events, the victim's father when came to Unnao with his family for a hearing , he
was brutually thrashed by Kuldeep Sengar’s brother Atul Sengar. Instead of booking
the accused police arrested victim’s father on the charges of possession of firearms
after an altercation with Sengar’s supporters. Fed up the girl tried to kill herself
outside the residence of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and then on 9th April
while still in custody victim’s father died under suspicious circumstances in District
Hospital. An autopsy revealed signs of torture, adding to the suspicion that Sengar's
influence was being used to intimidate the victim’s family and obstruct justice.
Kuldeep’s brother Atul Sengar was then arrested alonf with 3 others who also
happened to be associates of Kuldeep Sengar, 6 policemen including the police station
officer of the area inspector and four constables were suspended and a high-level
probe committee was set up.

CBI Takes Over The Case (April 2018): Due to intense public and media outcry,
the case was transferred to the Central Bureu of Investigation (CBI) on April 12,
2018. Kuldeep Singh Sengar was arrested by the CBI on April 13, 2018, on the
charges of rape and criminal conspiracy but only after considerable delay and
continued public protest and only after the order of Allahbad HC. 13 months after the
arrest the CBI issued a chargesheet naming Kuldeep Sengar as prime accused. CBI
registered another FIR under which Kuldeep Sengar , his brother Atul Sengar and 3
Police Officers were accused of framing in survivor’s father. A seprate investigation
into the death of victim’s father was also launched, leading to arrest of several local
police officers and Sengar’s associates.

Supreme Court’s Intervention (July 2019): On July 2019, the Supreme Court of
India took suo motu cognizance of the case following a series of threats against the
victim an her family. The Court transferred all five cases related to the Unnao incident
from Uttar Pradesh to a Special Court in Delhi and ordered a speedy trial. These cases
included:

 The Rape case

 The Custodial Death of the victim’s father
 A related conspiracy and intimidation case
The Supreme Court also ordered that the trials be completed in 45 days.
 Suspicious Car Accident (2019): The victim’s family kept alleging that they were
being threatened by the MLA’s goons meanwhile on 18th August 2018 one of the
witness of the case died and was buried without a post mortem. In yet another
shocking development on 28 July 2019, the victim, her family, and her lawyer were
travelling when a truck with grease on number plate collided with the car that killed
two of her aunts and left the victim and lawyer critically injured in Raibareli. Not only
this but the security person deployed for the safety of the victim was mysteriously not
present with her This accident, widely seen as an attempt to silence the victim, further
fueled public anger and brought the case into the national spotlight once again. Calls
for swift justice grew louder, and the judiciary was compelled to take stringent actions
against Sengar and others involved.

India continues to struggle with a deeply entrenched issue of sexual violence against women,
a problem that has reached alarming levels in recent years. High-profile cases of sexual
assault, rape, and even murder regularly make headlines, highlighting both the prevalence of
such crimes and the challenges victims face when seeking justice. Despite increasing public
awareness and outrage, the road to reform remains long and fraught with obstacles.

Prevalence of Sexual Assault:

Sexual violence against women in India is not only widespread but also severely
underreported, largely due to the societal stigma that surrounds victims. In a culture where
women are often blamed or shamed for the violence they endure, many survivors hesitate to
come forward. This stigma, coupled with fear of social ostracism or retaliation, creates a
culture of silence where many crimes go unreported. Even in cases where victims do choose
to report, they often face a grueling process of skepticism, judgment, and emotional trauma.
This underreporting not only skews the official statistics but also allows perpetrators to
continue their actions without fear of accountability, perpetuating a cycle of violence.

Challenges in the Judicial System:

For those who do report incidents of sexual violence, navigating India’s judicial system is a
daunting task. The process is often slow and riddled with inefficiencies, leaving victims and
their families feeling abandoned by the very system meant to protect them. Sexual assault
cases in India can drag on for years, sometimes decades, before reaching a conclusion. Many
victims are left waiting for justice that may never come, while offenders, particularly those
with political or social influence, manage to escape punishment.

Victim-blaming attitudes are another pervasive issue within the system. From law
enforcement officers to courtroom proceedings, survivors are frequently subjected to scrutiny
about their behavior, clothing, or lifestyle, as if these factors somehow justify the violence
inflicted upon them. This further discourages women from coming forward, fearing not only
the ordeal of recounting their trauma but also the possibility of being judged or disbelieved.

The lack of trust in law enforcement is another significant barrier. Police are often criticized
for their reluctance to register cases of sexual assault, especially when the accused holds
power or influence. Corruption, bureaucratic red tape, and indifference from authorities
exacerbate the challenges victims face. Many families report being pressured to drop charges
or settle the matter out of court, which leaves the perpetrator free and the victim without
justice.

EVIDENCE ANALYSIS IN THE CASE

Evidence played a crucial role in both the investigation and the eventual conviction of the
accused. The types of evidence presented in court included:

1. Testimonial Evidence:

o Statements from the victim, her family members, eyewitnesses, and

accomplices (such statements are now called as oral evidence under sec 2(e)(i)
of Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023)

o Confessions and cross-examination statements from the accused (Bhartiya

Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 covers confession under section 22,23,24 while
cross examination of accused under section 142)

2. Forensic Evidence:

o Medical examination reports of the victim. (covered under sec 35, 32, 64 and
65 of BSA Act, 2023 i.e. opinions of experts, relevancy of statements by a
person who is dead or cannot be found or unable to present, proof of
documents as to primary evidence or secondary evidence as to documentary
evidences)

o DNA analysis (under sec 35 of BSA Act, 2023)

o Autopsy report of the victim’s father.

3. Digital and Documentary Evidence:

o Call records and location tracking. ( covered under admissibility of electronic

records under sec 61-63 of BSA Act, 203)

o Medical records of the deceased father, including custodial treatment.

4. Circumstantial Evidence:

o The series of incidents leading to the self-immolation attempt.

o The suspicious death of the victim’s father.

Forensic Evidence Analysis

Forensic evidence, while not as extensive as in many other cases, was pivotal in
corroborating the victim’s testimony and establishing the guilt of the accused. Below is a
detailed analysis of the forensic evidence used during the investigation and trial:

1. Medical Examination of the Victim

The forensic medical examination of the victim played a significant role in corroborating her
account of the alleged rape, though it faced limitations due to the timing of the examination.
Conducted several months after the assault, the delay made it challenging to gather definitive
physical evidence such as semen or injuries that could directly link the crime to the accused.
Despite these challenges, the examination provided important insights.

Key Forensic Observations:

1. Signs of Sexual Assault: The medical report indicated that there were physical signs
consistent with sexual assault, though the absence of fresh injuries was noted. This
lack of immediate physical evidence was largely attributed to the time that had passed
between the incident and the examination. Nevertheless, the signs observed were still
significant, as they aligned with the victim's description of the assault. While not
conclusive on their own, they added weight to her allegations.
2. Psychological Evaluation: Along with the physical examination, a psychological
assessment was conducted to evaluate the victim’s mental and emotional state. This
was particularly important given the nature of sexual trauma and the stress of having
to relive the incident after such a long time. The psychological report provided a
window into the impact of the assault on the victim’s mental health, revealing signs of
trauma consistent with someone who had experienced such an ordeal. This further
strengthened her case, as the evaluation supported her consistent and credible account
of the events.

Although the delayed medical examination limited the collection of certain types of physical
evidence, it still played a vital role in the case. Combined with the victim’s unwavering
testimony, the medical and psychological reports helped build a strong foundation for the
prosecution's argument, illustrating the devastating effects of sexual violence and providing
indirect evidence that supported her claims.
2. DNA Evidence

DNA analysis, a critical tool in modern forensic investigations, has played a pivotal role in
solving numerous rape cases across India. It is often considered one of the most reliable
forms of forensic evidence due to its ability to directly link perpetrators to the crime.
However, in this particular case, the delay in reporting the incident and filing a formal
complaint created significant obstacles in collecting DNA evidence from the crime scene or
the victim’s body.

The time lapse between the crime and the investigation meant that vital DNA evidence,
which could have been collected from the victim or the scene immediately after the assault,
was no longer available by the time authorities took action. This absence made it more
difficult to use DNA to definitively identify the perpetrator. DNA degrades over time and is
highly dependent on proper preservation and collection within a short window after the crime
occurs. Without timely DNA evidence, investigators had to rely more heavily on other forms
of proof.

In this case, the victim’s testimony became the cornerstone of the prosecution's case. Her
firsthand account of the incident was crucial in establishing the narrative of events, and it had
to withstand intense scrutiny during cross-examination. Alongside her testimony,
corroborative forensic evidence, such as the medical report detailing physical injuries
consistent with sexual assault, gained greater importance. Although medical reports can
provide strong indications of assault, they cannot replace the specificity and certainty that
DNA evidence offers.

While DNA was not a key factor in this case, it is typically one of the strongest forms of
forensic evidence in rape cases, especially when gathered promptly after the incident. In
time-sensitive investigations, it can irrefutably tie a suspect to the crime, leaving little room
for doubt. The Unnao case, however, illustrates how investigative delays can undermine the
collection of such powerful evidence, shifting the focus to other forms of proof in the pursuit
of justice.

3. Autopsy Report of the Victim’s Father

The autopsy report of the victim's father, who died under suspicious circumstances while in
police custody, became a critical piece of evidence in the Unnao Rape Case. The findings
from the postmortem were both shocking and revealing, shedding light on the brutal
treatment he endured while in custody and suggesting foul play on the part of local
authorities.

Autopsy Findings:

The report detailed that the victim’s father had suffered multiple injuries, both external and
internal, consistent with a severe beating. These injuries, which included bruises, fractures,
and signs of internal bleeding, were indicative of sustained physical abuse, far beyond what
one would expect from a simple altercation or minor scuffle. The extent and severity of these
injuries strongly suggested that he had been subjected to custodial violence, likely inflicted
by law enforcement officers.

Blunt Force Trauma:

One of the key conclusions drawn from the autopsy was that the injuries were caused by
blunt force trauma. This type of trauma is typically inflicted through the use of hard objects
or excessive force and pointed directly to the possibility that the victim's father had been
deliberately beaten while in custody. The nature of his injuries contradicted the initial claims
by the authorities, who had attempted to dismiss his death as the result of a small dispute.
Instead, the forensic evidence indicated a much more sinister reality: he had likely been
tortured.

Impact on the Case:

The autopsy report marked a significant turning point in the Unnao Rape Case. It exposed a
deliberate attempt by local authorities to downplay the incident and protect those responsible
for the crime. The revelation of custodial violence also bolstered the victim's family's claims
that they were being targeted and intimidated because of their efforts to seek justice against a
powerful politician, Kuldeep Singh Sengar. The report became a vital piece of evidence, not
only in proving the systematic abuse of power but also in amplifying the public outrage that
ultimately led to greater scrutiny of the case.
In the broader context, the forensic findings highlighted the deep-seated issues of corruption
and violence within the law enforcement system, where police officers, instead of protecting
citizens, could be complicit in shielding powerful figures from justice. The autopsy played a
key role in pushing the case into the national spotlight and underscored the urgent need for
accountability and reform in cases of custodial violence.

4o
4. Call Data Records (CDR) and Location Tracking

Role of Digital Evidence in the Unnao Rape Case

Digital evidence, particularly call data records (CDR) and location tracking, was instrumental
in corroborating the timeline of events provided by the victim and her family. The Central
Bureau of Investigation (CBI) utilized these digital records in the following ways:

1. Establishing Presence at the Crime Scene:

o Call Logs Analysis: The CBI examined call data records to determine the
incoming and outgoing calls from Kuldeep Singh Sengar's phone.
o Location Tracking: Tower location data indicated that Sengar and his
associates were present near the crime scene during the time of the alleged
rape.
o Corroboration of Victim’s Account: This evidence substantiated the victim's
claims, enhancing the credibility of her testimony and challenging Sengar’s
denials of involvement.

2. Linking Accomplices:
o Identification of Accomplices: The analysis of phone records revealed
connections between Sengar and several individuals implicated in threatening
the victim’s family.
o Role in Intimidation: Evidence indicated that these accomplices participated
in orchestrating the custodial death of the victim’s father, further
demonstrating the coordinated effort to silence the victim.
o Exposing a Network of Influence: The digital records illustrated the
extensive network of support that Sengar relied upon to evade justice and
manipulate the investigation.
 3. Exposing a Web of Power and Influence:
o Systemic Issues Highlighted: While the digital forensic evidence did not
directly relate to the act of rape, it played a crucial role in revealing the
broader context of power dynamics and political patronage.
o Undermining Justice: The evidence showcased how intimidation tactics and
political influence were systematically used to obstruct the investigation and
intimidate witnesses.
o Call for Reform: This exposure contributed to the growing demand for
reforms in the justice system to ensure accountability and protect the rights of
victims.

Analysis of Investigative Challenges

The Unnao rape case underscored several critical challenges that arise when investigating
crimes involving high-profile individuals, revealing systemic issues that can hinder justice.
Here’s a detailed examination of these challenges:

1. Delay in Investigation:

One of the most significant obstacles in this case was the considerable delay in filing the First
Information Report (FIR) and conducting a timely medical examination of the victim. These
delays severely compromised the collection of crucial forensic evidence, which is often
essential in sexual assault cases. The initial reluctance of local authorities to register the
complaint stemmed from the considerable influence wielded by the accused, Kuldeep Singh
Sengar. His political connections and power led to an environment where the victim’s plight
was overlooked, allowing for further victimization. This slow response not only impacted the
gathering of evidence but also left the victim feeling unsupported and vulnerable during an
already traumatic time.

2. Political Influence and Bias:

The case starkly illustrated how political influence can obstruct the wheels of justice.
Local law enforcement, under pressure from political figures and the accused’s
supporters, stalled the investigation. This bias was evident not only in their reluctance to
act on the victim's complaints but also in their wrongful arrest and subsequent torture of
 the victim’s father. His death while in custody raised serious questions about the integrity
of the police force and the extent to which they were willing to go to protect a politically
connected individual. The manipulation of the justice system for personal and political
gain created an environment of fear and intimidation, further complicating the pursuit of
justice for the victim and her family.

3. Lack of Witness Protection:

Another pressing issue in the Unnao case was the absence of adequate witness protection.
Throughout the investigation and trial, the victim’s family faced relentless harassment and
intimidation from Sengar's supporters, which threatened their safety and ability to provide
testimony. Recognizing these dangers, the Supreme Court intervened and ordered the trial to
be moved from Uttar Pradesh to Delhi, highlighting the severe risks faced by the victim and
potential witnesses in the original jurisdiction. This decision underscored the judiciary's
acknowledgment of the hostile environment in which the victim and her family were forced
to navigate, emphasizing the need for protective measures in cases of this nature.

4. Forensic Limitations:

The challenges posed by the lack of immediate forensic evidence in this case were
particularly concerning. Timely collection of forensic evidence, such as DNA samples, is
critical in substantiating claims of sexual assault. However, due to the delays in filing the
complaint and the subsequent investigation, opportunities to gather this vital evidence were
lost. Without immediate medical examination and forensic analysis, the case had to rely
heavily on witness testimonies and circumstantial evidence, which can often be less
compelling in the eyes of the court. This situation highlights the importance of swift action in
sexual assault cases; delays can significantly diminish the quality and effectiveness of the
evidence available, making it much harder to achieve a successful conviction.

In summary, the Unnao rape case exposed significant flaws in the investigative process when
dealing with high-profile individuals. From delays in filing reports to the influence of politics
on law enforcement and the lack of protections for witnesses, these challenges serve as
critical reminders of the systemic changes needed to ensure justice for victims of sexual
violence.
 JUDGEMENT ANALYSIS OF THE CASE

Following the widespread outcry, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took
over the case in April 2018. Multiple charges were filed, not only against Sengar for
the rape but also against his accomplices for the intimidation, assault, and eventual
death of the victim’s father.

In the course of the investigation, the CBI gathered forensic evidence, including the
victim’s medical examination, statements from witnesses, and testimonies from local
police officers. Forensic analysis also corroborated the victim's account of the rape,
strengthening the prosecution’s case.

However, the path to justice was riddled with obstacles. The victim and her family
faced continuous threats. The turning point came in July 2019, when a truck rammed
into the car carrying the victim, her family, and her lawyer. Two of her aunts were
killed, and the victim was critically injured. It was widely speculated that the crash
was an attempt to silence the victim, which further intensified public demand for
justice.

Supreme Court Intervention

Given the serious nature of the threats to the victim’s life and the clear evidence of
obstruction of justice, the Supreme Court of India stepped in. In August 2019, Chief
Justice Ranjan Gogoi ordered the transfer of all five cases related to the Unnao rape,
including the rape case itself, the custodial death of the victim’s father, and the car
crash investigation, from Uttar Pradesh to a special CBI court in Delhi. The Supreme
Court also directed that the trial be completed within 45 days to ensure a speedy
resolution.

The intervention by the apex court was a crucial step in ensuring fairness in the
judicial process, given the immense influence and power held by the accused,
Kuldeep Singh Sengar.

The Trial
 The trial for the Unnao rape case began in August 2019 in a special court in Delhi,
under Judge Dharmesh Sharma. The court conducted daily hearings to adhere to the
Supreme Court’s deadline. During the trial, the prosecution presented strong forensic
and circumstantial evidence, including:

 The victim’s statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code
(CrPC), which is considered a critical piece of evidence.

 Medical and forensic reports (under sec 35 of BSA Act, 2023)confirming sexual
assault.

 Testimonies from key witnesses (under section 142 and 143 of BSA Act, 2023),
including the victim's family and other locals who had knowledge of the events.

The defense, on the other hand, argued that the charges were politically motivated and
part of a conspiracy to defame Sengar. However, the defense could not provide
substantial evidence to discredit the victim’s account.

Judgment of Case

On December 16, 2019, the special court found Kuldeep Singh Sengar guilty of the
rape of the minor victim under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
(punishment for rape) and Section 5(c) and 6 of the Protection of Children from
Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court noted that the victim’s testimony was
"truthful and consistent," and it rejected the defense’s argument that the charges were
fabricated.

In its detailed judgment, the court highlighted several critical points:

 Credibility of the Victim: The court held that the victim’s testimony was reliable and
was supported by medical and forensic evidence. It further noted that minor
discrepancies in her statements did not affect the overall truthfulness of her account,
which is a common observation in cases of trauma.

 Failure of Law Enforcement: The court criticized the local police for their initial
inaction and their role in intimidating the victim and her family. This reflected the
broader issue of how politically influential individuals can manipulate law
enforcement in India.
 Circumstantial Evidence: The court emphasized that while forensic evidence played
a role, the circumstantial evidence, including the sequence of events leading up to the
crime and the post-crime behavior of the accused, was equally compelling.

Sentencing

On December 20, 2019, the court sentenced Sengar to life imprisonment for the rape
of the minor girl. The court also imposed a fine of ₹25 lakh to be paid to the victim
as compensation. The special judge noted that the case was a "betrayal of trust" and
that Sengar, as an MLA, held a position of power, which made the crime even more
egregious. The life sentence reflected the seriousness of the offense and served as a
strong message against those using political influence to evade justice.

Other Related matter in issue

In addition to the rape case, the special court also dealt with the other charges related
to the custodial death of the victim’s father and the car crash. In March 2020, Sengar
was convicted for the death of the victim’s father and sentenced to 10 years’
imprisonment. The court found that Sengar and his associates had orchestrated the
wrongful arrest and custodial assault of the victim’s father, which led to his death.

The case involving the car crash that nearly killed the victim and her lawyer is still
under investigation, though it remains widely believed that Sengar’s associates were
involved.

8. Impact on Indian Legal and Political System

The Unnao rape case exposed significant flaws in the Indian legal and political
system, particularly the nexus between political power and law enforcement. The
following are some key takeaways:

 Political Influence in Law Enforcement: One of the most glaring issues highlighted
by the case was the extent to which powerful politicians can influence local police and
judicial processes. The Supreme Court’s intervention was necessary to ensure a fair
trial, demonstrating the urgent need for reforms in how cases involving powerful
individuals are handled.

 Role of Media and Public Pressure: The Unnao case might never have seen justice
if not for the sustained pressure from media outlets and civil society. Public outcry
 played a critical role in ensuring the CBI investigation and the Supreme Court’s
intervention. This underscores the importance of media vigilance in holding the
powerful accountable.

 Victim Protection and Witness Intimidation: The threats and violence faced by the
victim and her family raise questions about the adequacy of witness protection in
India. Despite Supreme Court orders, the car crash that nearly killed the victim
highlighted the real danger faced by those who challenge powerful figures. This case
has sparked calls for stronger witness protection laws and mechanisms.

Societal Implications

The Unnao rape case served as a grim reminder of the deep-seated issues of gender-based
violence, patriarchy, and corruption in India. The case sparked widespread protests and led
to the following societal and legal consequences:

 Amendments to Legal Framework: The case, alongside others like the Kathua rape
case, pushed for stronger legal frameworks to protect victims of sexual violence,
including faster trials and harsher penalties for rapists, especially in cases involving
minors.

 Public Awareness and Media Role: The role of the media in bringing the case to
light was crucial. It demonstrated how public awareness and pressure can force
authorities to take action, even in the face of political obstacles.

 Witness Protection Programs: The case underscored the need for more robust
witness protection programs in India, particularly in cases involving powerful figures.
Witnesses and victims in high-profile cases often face threats to their safety and are
discouraged from seeking justice.

 Judicial Reforms: The Supreme Court’s intervention in transferring the case and
expediting the trial highlighted the role of the judiciary in ensuring fairness when
local authorities are compromised.

Conclusion

The Unnao rape case is emblematic of the challenges faced by India’s justice system
when it comes to dealing with crimes committed by powerful individuals. While the
eventual conviction of Kuldeep Singh Sengar provided a measure of justice for the
victim, the case also illustrated the systemic issues that allow such crimes to go
unpunished for so long. The Supreme Court’s intervention was crucial in ensuring a
fair trial, but the case raised broader questions about the independence of law
enforcement, the role of political influence, and the need for stronger protection for
victims and witnesses.

As India continues to grapple with issues of gender-based violence, the Unnao case
serves as both a warning and a lesson: a warning of the dangers of unchecked power
and a lesson in the importance of institutional reform to ensure justice for all,
regardless of social or political standing.