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Will continue fight… our life turned into a joke, says Unnao rape survivor

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court on Monday that the survivor was “a child aged 15 years, 10 months and 13 days at the time of the crime”.

3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Dec 30, 2025 09:29 AM IST

Will continue fight... our life turned into a joke, says survivor

Activist Yogita Bhayana stages a dharna with the family of the Unnao gang rape victim. (PTI Photo)

“Phansi jabtak nahi hogi, tab tak ladai ladungi (I will continue to fight until he is hanged),” said the survivor in the 2017 Unnao rape case on Monday, hours after the Supreme Court stayed the Delhi High Court’s order suspending the life sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar.

“It’s a fight for justice, not just mine but for all the women and daughters in this country who are supporting me or have gone through the same ordeal,” she told The Indian Express.

“I am very happy with this decision. I have got justice from the Supreme Court. I have been raising my voice for justice from the very beginning… I do not make allegations against any court. I have faith in all courts, but the Supreme Court has given me justice and will continue to do so,” she said.

Read | What CBI argued in Supreme Court against Kuldeep Singh Sengar’s life sentence suspension

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court on Monday that the survivor was “a child aged 15 years, 10 months and 13 days at the time of the crime”.

She is now married, and a mother of two. “I have two toddlers at home who my differently-abled mother is taking care of. After the High Court verdict, my husband was removed from his job. Only my family knows how we are trying to manage our finances,” she said. “Mazaak bana ke rakh diya hain jeewan (Our life has been turned into a joke),” she said.

Also read | Why Supreme Court stayed Delhi HC order on Unnao rape convict Kuldeep Sengar

“She is my ‘Lakshmi’ and I hope things will change in our lives one day. I lost my job, but I don’t feel bad about it, as worse things have happened to us. This is a long fight and we will keep going,” said her husband.

With Sengar’s daughter putting out a post on social media and speaking to the media after the Supreme Court’s decision on Monday, the survivor said: “Was she there when it happened to me? Why did they not argue in the court? Sengar’s associates have circulated my husband’s photograph all across. What if anything happens to him or anyone in my family? Haven’t we already lost our loved ones or is there more left to see.”

Sakshi Chand

Sakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital. Professional Background Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance. Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh). Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India. Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life. Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025) Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability: 1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort: Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025). The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025). Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025). 2. Crime & Police Accountability "Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025). "Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025). Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025). 3. Governance & Public Policy "13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025). Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025). Signature Style Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read More

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