Lucknow: The survivor of the 2017 Unnao rape case has released an emotional video message online, urging wider public support and alleging that she and her family are being targeted by a coordinated smear campaign on social media.

She appealed to people to rise above caste divisions and stand with her family.

Her latest statement comes in the wake of claims made by the daughters of prime accused Kuldeep Sengar, asserting their father’s innocence and claiming that they were denied an opportunity to present arguments during a recent Supreme Court hearing.

In the message, the survivor alleged that individuals identifying themselves as Sengar’s supporters have been spreading false narratives against her and her husband. She further claimed that Sengar’s daughters have called for a ‘Kshatriya conference’ at Jantar Mantar on January 11 in support of their father.

“I am also a daughter of the Kshatriya community. I am also a daughter of this country. Please become my voice. A criminal has no caste,” she said in the video message.

The case has resurfaced in public discourse after the Delhi High Court suspended Sengar’s jail term, noting he had already served seven years and five months in prison. However, the Supreme Court stayed the high court order, preventing his release. Sengar, who is also serving a sentence for the murder of the survivor’s father, remains in jail.