In a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the Unnao rape case, the lawyer representing the survivor, Mehmood Pracha, has publicly alleged collusion between the central government, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government with former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Kuldeep Sengar. This assertion comes as the survivor continues to seek justice in a case that has drawn national attention and raised questions about the integrity of the legal process in India.
The Unnao case first came to light in 2017 when the survivor, then a minor, accused Sengar of raping her. The allegations sparked widespread outrage and led to a series of legal and political repercussions. Sengar was arrested in April 2018 after the case gained significant media coverage, prompting the UP government to transfer the investigation to the CBI. The case took a tragic turn in July 2019 when the survivor and her family were involved in a car accident that left her critically injured and resulted in the death of her two aunts. The incident raised suspicions of foul play, further complicating the legal proceedings.
In a press conference held on December 25, 2025, Pracha detailed his claims of collusion, stating that there has been a systematic effort to undermine the survivor’s case. He accused the CBI of failing to pursue critical leads and suggested that the agency’s actions have been influenced by political considerations. Pracha emphasized that the survivor’s quest for justice has been met with numerous obstacles, including alleged intimidation and harassment.
The allegations of collusion come at a time when the CBI is under scrutiny for its handling of high-profile cases. Critics have long argued that the agency’s independence is compromised by political pressures, particularly in cases involving influential figures. The Unnao case has become emblematic of these concerns, with many observers questioning whether justice can be served when powerful individuals are involved.
The implications of Pracha’s allegations are significant. If proven, they could undermine public confidence in the CBI and the broader judicial system in India. The survivor’s case has already highlighted the challenges faced by victims of sexual violence in navigating a legal system that is often perceived as biased and ineffective. The allegations of collusion could further deter survivors from coming forward, fearing that their cases will not be handled impartially.
The timeline of events in the Unnao case has been marked by a series of legal battles and political controversies. Following the initial allegations against Sengar, the case was transferred to the CBI in 2018. In December 2019, a special court convicted Sengar of rape and sentenced him to life imprisonment. However, the survivor’s fight for justice did not end there. The car accident in July 2019 raised questions about the safety of the survivor and her family, leading to calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In the wake of Pracha’s recent statements, the CBI has yet to respond publicly to the allegations of collusion. The agency has faced criticism in the past for its handling of the Unnao case, with some legal experts arguing that its investigations have been marred by delays and a lack of transparency. The survivor’s family has also expressed concerns about their safety and the potential for further retaliation from Sengar’s associates.
The Unnao case has broader implications for the discourse surrounding sexual violence in India. It has highlighted the systemic issues that victims face, including societal stigma, inadequate legal protections, and the influence of political power on the judicial process. As the survivor continues her fight for justice, the allegations of collusion raise critical questions about the integrity of the institutions tasked with upholding the rule of law.
In conclusion, the allegations made by Mehmood Pracha regarding collusion between the Centre, CBI, and UP government with Kuldeep Sengar underscore the complexities and challenges inherent in the Unnao case. As the legal proceedings continue, the survivor’s pursuit of justice remains a focal point for discussions about accountability, transparency, and the treatment of victims of sexual violence in India. The outcome of this case could have lasting implications for the legal system and the broader societal response to such crimes.
