A Bhopal court granted anticipatory bail on Friday evening to a retired district judge who, along with her advocate son, was booked for the alleged dowry death of his 31-year-old wife. The woman was found dead at their Katara Hills residence on the night of May 12. The hearing on the son's anticipatory bail plea has been scheduled for Monday, according to the retired judge's counsel.
Allegations and FIR
The case gained prominence after the victim's family accused the accused of dowry harassment, physical assault, and attempts to destroy evidence. The victim's brother, an Indian Army major, sought intervention from senior authorities over an alleged delay in the registration of the FIR. Originally from Noida, the 31-year-old woman had been married for about five months.
Her family claimed they observed injury marks on her hands and ears after her death. They staged protests outside Katara Hills police station and later at the women's police station, alleging inaction and demanding that a criminal case be filed. Army sources confirmed that the brother sought assistance in filing the FIR. Following intervention at higher levels, the FIR was registered around 3:30 am on Friday.
Legal Provisions Invoked
Additional Commissioner of Police Rajnish Kashyap stated that a case was registered against the retired judge and her son under sections 80, 85, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. Section 80 of the BNS pertains to dowry death, carrying a minimum punishment of seven years' imprisonment, extendable to life imprisonment. Section 85 addresses cruelty by a husband or his relatives, punishable with up to three years of imprisonment and a fine. Section 3(5) deals with acts committed with common intention. Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act prohibit giving, taking, and demanding dowry.
Autopsy Report Findings
The autopsy report, conducted at AIIMS Bhopal, stated that the cause of death was antemortem hanging by ligature. It also noted multiple antemortem injuries, described as simple in nature and possibly caused by blunt force, on other parts of the body. Blood and viscera samples were preserved for toxicological analysis, which ruled out concomitant intoxication. Nail clippings were preserved for DNA analysis. The report further recorded that the ligature material was neither present at the scene nor submitted by the investigating officer for examination. Doctors also preserved the uterus for histopathological examination, given an alleged history of medical termination of pregnancy about a week earlier.
Army Involvement
An Army team comprising one officer and 10 personnel has been detailed to assist the victim's family, and coordination has been established with the Bhopal Police. The case continues to draw attention as the family alleges dowry harassment, physical assault, and attempts by the accused to destroy evidence.
