Karnataka High Court: While deliberating over the instant petition seeking to enlarge the petitioner on bail in a murder case, the Bench of Mohammad Nawaz, J.*, dismissed the petition noting that there is a prima facie case against the petitioner. It was further noted that the offence alleged is grave in nature; therefore, merely because the petitioner is a woman is not a ground to enlarge her on bail.
The petitioner and accused-2 were in an illicit relationship. When the petitioner’s deceased husband, who worked in Bengaluru, decided on bringing the petitioner and their minor children from Andhra Pradesh to Bengaluru for further education; a conspiracy was hatched.
As per the conspiracy and at the instigation of accused-2, when the deceased was sleeping in the house, the petitioner stabbed him with a knife on his neck and committed his murder. Then with the same knife, she caused injuries to her hand and removed her Mangalya chain, ear stud etc., concealing them to make the incident appear as a case of robbery and murder.
Counsel for the petitioner submitted that the allegations against her are false. It was submitted that the petitioner is a woman and that she has been languishing in jail since September 2022.
Per contra, the respondents argued that there is sufficient material collected against the petitioner, proving her role in the crime. It was also contended that the prime witness is the petitioner’s son and therefore, in the event of grant of bail to the petitioner, she may tutor him and thereby hamper the case of prosecution.
Perusing the facts and contentions, the Court took note of the current developments in the case. It was noted that prosecution has recorded statement of the witnesses shedding light on the petitioner’s illicit relationship and that Mangalya chain and ear stud belonging to the petitioner, which was concealed by her, have been recovered. Her blood-stained nightie is also recovered.
The Court pointed out that there is a prima-facie case against the petitioner; furthermore, grant of bail to accused-2 will not ensure any to the benefit of the petitioner. Considering the nature and gravity of the offence, the Court dismissed the petition.
[Dilli Rani v. State of Karnataka, 2023 SCC OnLine Kar 35, decided on 12-06-2023]
*Order by Justice Mohammad Nawaz
Advocates who appeared in this case :
For the petitioner: Gopal, Advocate;
For the respondent: R.D. Renukaradhya, HCGP.
