Nainital Court Directs Absconding Woman to Appear in 2019 Husband Murder Case
A Nainital court has issued a stern directive to a woman accused in a 2019 murder case, ordering her to appear before it on February 18 after she allegedly misused bail and went absconding. The case involves charges of burning her husband to death in collusion with her lover.
Court Seeks Progress Report on Arrest Efforts
The additional sessions judge has also demanded a progress report from the Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) regarding efforts to apprehend the absconding accused. In response to the court's directions issued last week, SSP Manjunath TC constituted a seven-member police team on Tuesday.
This specialized team includes personnel from the Special Operations Group (SOG) and is tasked with tracing and arresting the two primary suspects:
- Neelam Chaudhary, a resident of Shamiya Lake City on Kashipur Road in Rudrapur
- Manish Mishra, a native of Phulpur in Prayagraj
Background of the 2019 Murder Case
The tragic incident dates back to May 20, 2019, when Gulzar Singh, father of the deceased Avtar Singh, filed a First Information Report (FIR) after his son's burnt body was discovered inside a charred vehicle near Bhimtal. According to the complaint, Avtar Singh, who worked as a contractor supplying manpower, had repeatedly objected to his wife's alleged illicit relationship with Manish Mishra.
Following the FIR registration at Bhimtal police station, authorities arrested both accused under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:
- 302 (murder)
- 201 (causing disappearance of evidence)
- 120B (criminal conspiracy)
- 328, 404 and 411
Bail Violation and Subsequent Absconding
Both accused were granted short-term bail at different times:
- Manish Mishra received 45-day bail in December 2021
- Neelam Chaudhary was released on one-week bail in June 2024
After allegedly violating their bail conditions and disappearing, authorities issued non-bailable warrants against Mishra in February 2022 and against Neelam in January 2025.
Police Investigation and Raid Outcomes
In a report submitted to the court earlier this month, sub-inspector Mahendra Raj Singh of Bhimtal police station detailed that multiple raids were conducted at Neelam's residence in Rudrapur, but she could not be located. Her father-in-law Gulzar Singh and daughter Neha informed police that they had been unable to contact her since her release on bail.
A raid at Mishra's residence also proved unsuccessful, with neighbors confirming that he no longer lived at that address.
Guarantor Statements and Legal Proceedings
Neelam's guarantor, Kamala Joshi, who serves as a home guard, told investigators that she had known Neelam since 2010 while living in the same colony. She agreed to stand surety when Neelam requested assistance during her incarceration in Haldwani jail.
The second guarantor, Bhawan Singh, stated that he provided the guarantee at the request of a neighbor. The court continues to monitor the case closely as the February 18 deadline approaches for the accused to appear.
