Lucknow DM claims Unnao rape victim's health improving, hospital says still 'critical'

The health condition of Unnao rape survivor and her lawyer, who were critically injured in a car accident alleged planned by the key accused in the case, now expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, is improving, Lucknow District Magistrate (DM) Raj Sharma said on Thursday.

"There is improvement in the health condition of Unnao rape survivor and her lawyer who are admitted in King George Medical University hospital, Lucknow. Family is satisfied with the treatment being provided here," the Lucknow DM said.

However, the statement of the hospital, where the girl is undergoing treatment, said that both - the girl and her lawyer - are critical and remain on life support.

"Their condition is critical. Both are on ventilator. But their condition is stable like yesterday. Their treatment is being done by a team of experts free of cost," the King George Medical University hospital said hours before DM's claim.

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The Unnao rape survivor and her lawyer were critically injured and two of hers aunts, who were also the key witnesses in the case, were killed after a speeding truck with its number plate painted black crushed their car. The family of the girl has alleged that accident was a planned conspiracy by the now expelled BJP MLA to eliminate the victim.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court transferred all the five cases linked to the Unnao rape survivor from the CBI court in Uttar Pradesh to Delhi and said the designated judge in the national capital will commence the trial on a day-to-day basis and complete the trial within 45 days.

"Taking into account the ground stated in transfer petition, and letter to the CJI, we order the transfer of all the cases from the CBI court in UP to Delhi,' the top court said.

The court has also directed the state to pay a compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the Unnao rape survivor. The victim and her family will now be provided protection by the central security forces, the top court ruled. Following the Supreme Court order, the District Magistrate also handed over a compensation cheque of Rs 25 lakh to the family members of the victim.