Unnao rape survivor’s accident: Samajwadi Party, Congress demand CBI probe

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has demanded a CBI inquiry into the accident in which the Unnao rape survivor was critically injured. Underlining the absence of security personnel when the accident took place on NH 232, the former chief minister said that it could be a conspiracy to kill the girl, who levelled rape allegations against BJP lawmaker Kuldeep Sengar last year.

"The accident involving the Unnao rape victim in Rae Bareli is a serious incident, and there could be a possibility of murder behind this incident," Yadav said in a statement issued on Sunday.

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"This incident has links with a BJP MLA and there is BJP government in the state. There is 'jungle raaj' in the state. The criminals are roaming fearlessly. Only a CBI probe will solve this mystery," he added.

The Samajwadi Party said that it will bear the cost of treatment of those injured in the accident.

Not only the Samajwadi Party, the Congress too demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the incident.

“Unnao rape victim met with an accident today under suspicious circumstances, two members of her family have died in the accident. Congress party demands an investigation,” Aradhana Mishra, Congress MLA, said.

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Moreover, the truck that hit the car, in which the rape survivor - along with her family members and lawyer – was travelling, had its number plate scrubbed with black paint.

The Uttar Pradesh Police is investigating into the matter and assured strict action against those found guilty.

“Security guards provided for protection of the victim by police were not present with her at the time of accident today. Investigation underway. Action will be taken once the investigation concludes,” MK Verma, SP Unnao, said.

Earlier in the day, a car in which the rape survivor, her family and lawyer were travelling was hit by an over-speeding truck in Rae Bareli, killing two members while leaving her and the advocate critically injured, police said.

The case that grabbed national headlines in early 2018, had come to the light after the victim on April 8, attempted self-immolation outside Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's residence, alleging apathy on a part of the police in registering a case against the BJP legislator. Days after, the victim's father died in prison after allegedly beaten up by the BJP MLA's men.

However, Sengar, a four-time MLA, who represented the  Bangermau seat in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, was arrested on April 13 last year, following widespread protests over the rape of the then 16-year-old across the country.