Unnao Case: Accused Signed Marriage Agreement Before Raping Woman

The Unnao rape victim, who was set ablaze and later succumbs to her injuries at the Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi on Friday night, was promised of marriage by her rapist and had signed a marriage agreement in January 2018. News agency ANI, which claimed to have access to the marriage agreement, reported that the woman solemnised the marriage with Shivam Trivedi, who allegedly later raped her in December last year.

"We declare that we have solemnised our marriage in a temple on January 15, 2018, according to Hindu traditions with our free will. We are living with each other as wife and husband. We are signing this agreement to avoid any legal hindrance," the agreement read.

SN Maurya, who represented the victim in the rape case, told ANI that Shivam was threatening her to withdraw the case and forcing for a compromise.

The last rites of the 23-year-old woman were performed at her native village in Unnao on Sunday amidst tight security arrangements.

She was laid to rest in the fields belonging to her family, where the mausoleum (mazaar) of her grandparents is situated. A large number of local residents and officials were present.

Villagers from all walks of life paid their respects to the departed soul before the body was taken for the last rites.

The woman was set ablaze on Thursday by five people, including two who are accused of raping her. She had suffered 90 per cent burns and was airlifted from Lucknow to the Delhi-based hospital where she died on Friday night. She was set on fire when she was on her way to Raebareli in connection with the court case filed by her.