Atul Singh, who is the brother of BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, has been jailed in connection with the death of Unnao rape victim's father in jail. Three other people have also been arrested in this case. The father of an 18-year-old woman who claimed she was raped by Kuldeep Singh and his brothers died in custody here on Monday, prompting the victim to charge that he was killed inside the jail at the behest of the lawmaker.

Pappu Singh, around 50, was rushed to a hospital immediately from the district jail last night and died during treatment on Monday morning. After her father's death, the gang-rape victim alleged that he was "killed at the behest of the BJP MLA" inside the jail.

"We were getting threats and they killed my father," she told reporters. Pappu was arrested on April 5 under the Arms Act after he was allegedly beaten up by Anil Singh, the MLA's brother. The victim tried to immolate herself near the chief minister's residence in Lucknow on Friday, claiming she was raped by the BJP MLA and his brothers. The immolation bid was, however, foiled by the police.

Sengar represents the Bangermau constituency in Unnao district, around 90 km from the state capital. The police inspector said the girl was made to appear before Rajiv Krishan, the Additional Director General of Police, Lucknow, who ordered a probe by the Lucknow police.

When contacted, Sengar refuted the allegations against him and said: "It is a conspiracy hatched by my political opponents to tarnish my image and damage my reputation...I have no problem with any probe. Let a probe be conducted, and the guilty be given the stringent punishment. If I am found guilty in the probe, I am ready to face punishment"