Unnao rape case: Court observes Sengar is public servant, frames fresh charges

District and Sessions Judge Dharmesh Sharma said the examination of witnesses in the rape and POCSO case, which will commence from August 16, will be in-camera proceedings.

Unnao rape case, Kuldeep Singh sengar, BJP MLA Unnao rape case, BJP MLA Unnao rape, Unnao rape case update, Indian express

MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar

A Delhi court on Wednesday framed fresh charges against Unnao rape accused and UP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, observing that he has to be tried as a public servant since he occupied the position of a legislator.

District and Sessions Judge Dharmesh Sharma said the examination of witnesses in the rape and POCSO case, which will commence from August 16, will be in-camera proceedings. This comes after the CBI sought in-camera proceedings, saying the matter was related to the POCSO Act.

Earlier, the court had framed charges against Sengar and co-accused Shashi Singh under section 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act. With the charges being modified, to section 5(c) and 6 same Act, the offences now entail a minimum punishment of 10 years.

Dharminder Kumar Mishra, the counsel for the victim, submitted that Sengar and the co-accused must be tried under section 5 (C) and 6 of the POCSO Act which deals with penetrative sexual assault committed by a public servant. This submission was supported by the CBI counsel Ashok Bhartendu.

Counsel for Sengar, Dhruv Gupta, urged that a comprehensive reading of section 5 (C) would show that it is only when a “public servant” commits such an offence in the course of his official or public duties that the case can be brought within the four corners of the section.

The judge, in his order, said while interpreting section 5 (C) of the act, the main objectives of the legislation need to be considered, that not only provide for enforcement of rights for children to safety, security and protection from sexual abuse and exploitation, but also, in the process, put checks on the exercise of control or domain over any person below 18 years of age.

“A comprehensive and meaningful reading of the section leads to an irrefutable conclusion that it seeks to punish exploitation and sexual abuse of children from “public servants” owing to use of their power, position or status to perpetuate penetrative sexual assault,” the order read.

Anand Mohan J

Anand Mohan J is an award-winning Senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, currently leading the bureau’s coverage of Madhya Pradesh. With a career spanning over eight years, he has established himself as a trusted voice at the intersection of law, internal security, and public policy. Based in Bhopal, Anand is widely recognized for his authoritative reporting on Maoist insurgency in Central India. In late 2025, he provided exclusive, ground-level coverage of the historic surrender of the final Maoist cadres in Madhya Pradesh, detailing the backchannel negotiations and the "vacuum of command" that led to the state being declared Maoist-free. Expertise and Reporting Beats Anand’s investigative work is characterized by a "Journalism of Courage" approach, holding institutions accountable through deep-dive analysis of several key sectors: National Security & Counter-Insurgency: He is a primary chronicler of the decline of Naxalism in the Central Indian corridor, documenting the tactical shifts of security forces and the rehabilitation of surrendered cadres. Judiciary & Legal Accountability: Drawing on over four years of experience covering Delhi’s trial courts and the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Anand deconstructs complex legal rulings. He has exposed critical institutional lapses, including custodial safety violations and the misuse of the National Security Act (NSA). Wildlife Conservation (Project Cheetah): Anand is a leading reporter on Project Cheetah at Kuno National Park. He has provided extensive coverage of the biological and administrative hurdles of rewilding Namibian and South African cheetahs, as well as high-profile cases of wildlife trafficking. Public Health & Social Safety: His recent investigative work has uncovered systemic negligence in public services, such as contaminated blood transfusions causing HIV infections in thalassemia patients and the human cost of the fertilizer crisis affecting rural farmers. Professional Background Tenure: Joined The Indian Express in 2017. Locations: Transitioned from the high-pressure Delhi City beat (covering courts, police, and labor issues) to his current role as a regional lead in Madhya Pradesh. Notable Investigations: * Exposed the "digital arrest" scams targeting entrepreneurs. Investigated the Bandhavgarh elephant deaths and the impact of kodo millet fungus on local wildlife. Documented the transition of power and welfare schemes (like Ladli Behna) in Madhya Pradesh governance. Digital & Professional Presence Author Profile: Anand Mohan J at Indian Express Twitter handle: @mohanreports ... Read More

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