CRIME

Unnao rape: 6 police officials suspended for victim's father's death

Rape survivor's father died under mysterious circumstances in judicial custody

up-cm-woman-suicide A probe has been ordered and the case has been transferred to Lucknow | ANI

Six police officials, including two police officers and four constables, have been suspended in the death of the father of the Unnao woman, who was allegedly raped by a BJP MLA, in Uttar Pradesh. 

Pappu Singh, around 50, was rushed to a hospital from the district jail last night and died during treatment on Monday. District Magistrate Ravi Kumar N.G. said the postmortem examination of the victim would be conducted by a panel of doctors to ascertain the cause of death. "We'll do further investigation in the case after postmortem is done. Two police officers and four constables have been suspended," said Pushpanjali Devi, Unnao SP.

He said that a probe had been ordered into the matter. Pappu was arrested on April 5 under the Arms Act after he was allegedly beaten up by Anil Singh, the MLA's brother.

Pappu's daughter had accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his accomplices of raping her. The case shot to national limelight after the victim made an abortive bid to immolate herself near chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s residence on Sunday. 

However, the rape case took a dramatic turn earlier on Monday when the police confirmed the death of the woman's father. 

The man was admitted to hospital late on Monday night. "He was admitted to hospital last night by police after he complained of abdominal pain and vomiting. He passed away in early morning hours," said Dr Atul, district hospital, Unnao. 

"A magisterial inquiry will be conducted. If lapse found on the side of police, action will be taken. The incident happened while the man was in judicial custody," DIG Law and Order, had earlier said on Monday. 

The accused BJP legislator Sengar, on the other hand, had accused the girl of staging a drama. "Her attempt to commit suicide is nothing but a ploy to spoil my political image," Sengar said.  

(With inputs from agencies)