‘So much Bhakti’: Chinmayi Sripaada’s post, later deleted, fuels Unnao bail controversy

Chennai: Singer and voice actor Chinmayi Sripaada triggered a social media debate after commenting on a viral image that allegedly showed former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar being welcomed with garlands at a jail entrance. Sharing the image on X, Chinmayi wrote, “Garlanding a rapist in saffron robes. So much Bhakti much wow.”

Chinmayi Sripaada later deleted the post from her X account, though screenshots of the comment continued to circulate widely on social media. While several users claimed the image was AI-generated, others pointed out that similar incidents of convicted offenders being publicly honoured have occurred in the past. They argued that such a scenario could not be dismissed outright, citing concerns over instances where individuals convicted of serious crimes have received public support from ceratin groups or celebration.

The controversy unfolded amid fresh legal developments in the Unnao rape case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it would approach the Supreme Court to challenge the Delhi High Court’s decision to suspend Sengar’s life sentence in the 2017 rape case. The high court granted relief after noting that Sengar had already spent more than seven years in prison.

A CBI spokesperson said the agency would file a special leave petition in the apex court against the ruling. The suspension of the life sentence had been opposed by both the CBI and the rape survivor’s family, who raised concerns over safety and alleged threats. Despite this, the court granted relief, although Sengar will continue to remain in jail while serving a separate 10-year sentence in connection with the custodial death of the survivor’s father.

The high court’s decision triggered strong political and public reactions. The rape survivor and her mother staged a protest in New Delhi, during which they were detained by the Delhi Police. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the handling of the protest and questioned whether the survivor was being punished for seeking justice. He also expressed concern over her safety following the court’s decision.

Subsequently, the survivor and her mother met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi at their residence in New Delhi, seeking legal support for their challenge against Sengar in the Supreme Court. Rahul Gandhi assured them of assistance and reiterated the need for dignity, protection and justice for the survivor rather than fear and intimidation.

Chinmayi Sripaada, who has been vocal on issues of sexual violence and justice, has previously spoken out on institutional apathy and public attitudes towards survivors. Her remarks on the viral image added to the wider debate on accountability, symbolism and public response in cases involving convicted sexual offenders.