Unnao Rape Victim Set On Fire By Rapists Out On Bail, Shifted To Delhi, Condition Critical

A 23-year-old woman who was set ablaze by five men, including two who she had filed a rape complaint against is in a critical state. According to the doctors at the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, her condition is extremely critical and on a ventilator.

She was airlifted to Delhi on Thursday night from the Lucknow civil hospital where she was previously admitted. According to the doctors, the woman had suffered nearly 90 percent burns after she was doused in kerosene and set on fire.

She was on her way to a court in Rae Bareli to attend a hearing in the rape case when five men including the two rape accused attacked her. According to eyewitnesses, who came to her rescue the victim had run nearly a kilometer with her burning body screaming for help before they found her.

In the hospital, the victim had named four people Shivam Trivedi and his father Ram Kishore Trivedi, the village pradhan¡¯s son Shubham Trivedi and his father Hari Shankar Trivedi, and Shubham¡¯s neighbour Umesh Vajpayee.

Out of the four, Shivam Trivedi and Shubham Trivedi were the accused in the 2018 gang rape case. Acting on her complaint the Unnao police had arrested Shivam, but he was released on bail on November 30, while Shubham remained untraceable for nearly a year.

Now an FIR has been registered under IPC sections 326 (causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 307 (attempt to murder) and 506 (criminal intimidation) against the accused who were arrested on Thursday. Taking serious note of the incident the National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and has asked UP Director General of Police to apprise them of the report regarding the action taken since the date of filing of the rape complaint by the victim.

A letter issued to UP DGP OP Singh by NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma expressed concern about the rise in crimes against women in the state despite the enactment of several laws to safeguard rights. "Considering the gravity of the matter, it is requested to send a detailed action-taken report in the matter from the date of filing complaint of rape by the rape survivor and strict action be taken against erring officials for not providing protection to the rape victim, if found guilty,¡± said the letter.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who had come under fire for shielding rape accused MLA Kuldeep Sengar and former Union Minister Chinmayananda has asked the district administration and police officials to take stern action against the accused.

This is the second major incident of rape and attempted murder of the victim in Unnao. The first incident happened just a few months ago when the family and lawyer of a girl who had accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Senger of rape were targeted while they were traveling in a car.