CBI arrests UP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in Unnao rape

CBI arrested BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in Lucknow on Friday night for the alleged rape of a teenager in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao last year. He was arrested after being questioned for 15 hours.

The survivor's father died on Monday after being assaulted allegedly by the MLA's brother who is also an accused in the rape case. He was arrested earlier.

The action came hours after the Allahabad High Court criticised the state government and asked CBI to arrest Sengar.

"We are unable to accept the contention of the government that the accused cannot be arrested. Arrest is necessarily required to safeguard the majesty of law," the court said.

"The disturbing feature of the case is that the law and order machinery and government officials were directly in league and under the influence of Kuldeep Singh," it said.

The court will monitor the investigation. CBI will file a status report on May 2, the next date of hearing.

CBI took over the probe on Thursday morning.

Earlier in the day, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured that strict action would be taken against the accused in the case.

"Investigation has been handed over to CBI. Our government will not compromise, no matter how influential the accused is, he will not be spared," Yogi told reporters in Jalaun.

On April 8, the girl and her family tried to commit suicide outside Adityanath's residence in Lucknow. Her family alleged and no action was taken against the accused.