New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday opposed before the Delhi High Court a plea filed by Jaideep Sengar, brother of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar, seeking a three-month extension of his interim bail in the custodial death case of the Unnao rape survivor’s father.
Jaideep Sengar, 50, who was sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment by the trial court in the case, sought the extension on medical grounds, claiming he is suffering from Stage IV oral cancer and requires continuous and specialised treatment.
Appearing for the CBI, counsel opposed the plea, arguing that it was not a fit case for extension of interim bail. The agency further contended that the medical prescription submitted by Sengar in support of his application was not genuine and appeared to be fabricated. The CBI also submitted that the applicant should have approached the court well within time for any such extension.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, however, extended Jaideep Sengar’s interim bail till February 20 and directed the CBI to file a detailed verification report regarding his medical condition.
“The CBI has also not filed a verification report. Please file a detailed verification report,” the court observed. The judge further asked the agency to clearly state whether the applicant is critically ill and whether the medical documents submitted are genuine.
In his plea, Jaideep Sengar stated that he has developed clinical signs of recurrence of oral cancer, describing the condition as life-threatening and requiring sustained medical attention. The application also noted that he has already spent nearly four years in custody.
The High Court had initially granted interim bail to Jaideep Sengar on July 3, 2024, which has since been extended from time to time.
Kuldeep Sengar was convicted in December 2019 for raping the Unnao survivor when she was a minor and was sentenced to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life.
In March 2020, Kuldeep Sengar and his brother Jaideep Sengar alias Atul Singh were sentenced to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 10 lakh each in connection with the custodial death of the survivor’s father.
The victim’s father had been arrested under the Arms Act allegedly at the behest of the accused and died in police custody on April 9, 2018. The trial court had observed that “no leniency” could be shown in the killing of a family’s sole breadwinner.
Appeals filed by the Sengars against the trial court’s judgment are currently pending before the Delhi High Court.
