Ahmedabad Court Denies Anticipatory Bail to 3 in Sanand 19-Year-Old Suicide Case

An Ahmedabad court has rejected anticipatory bail applications filed by three people accused of abetting the suicide of a 19-year-old woman in Sanand. The accused — Chini Gohel, Payel Gohel and Baldev Gohel — are residents of Sanand and have been named in a case registered at Sanand Police Station.

The case concerns the death of a 19-year-old Bachelor of Designing student, who allegedly died by suicide at her residence in Sanand on September 1. Sanand police registered a case of abetment to suicide against three people following a complaint by her father.

Accused Seek Protection From Arrest

The three accused approached the Ahmedabad District and Sessions Court (Rural) seeking anticipatory bail in connection with an FIR registered under Sections 108 and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Their counsel argued that the applicants were innocent and had been falsely implicated in the case. The defence also claimed that they were in Udaipur on the day of the incident.

According to the defence, the alleged confrontation was related to the victim's relationship with a married man, and one of the applicants had merely reprimanded her over the issue.

Prosecution Points to Suicide Note

The prosecution strongly opposed the anticipatory bail applications.

The Public Prosecutor placed an affidavit filed by the investigating officer before the court and argued that the deceased had left a suicide note naming the accused and alleging severe mental harassment.

According to the prosecution, custodial interrogation was required considering the seriousness of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the death.

A report by Ahmedabad Mirror said a handwritten note found with the deceased named three people and that her father alleged she had been under pressure over her relationship with a man from the same community.

Court Takes Note of Alleged Public Humiliation

The court, while considering the bail applications, noted allegations that the accused had gone to the young woman's house and subjected her to public humiliation.

The prosecution alleged that she was made to apologise in front of a gathering.

The court prima facie observed that instead of confronting the husband over the alleged relationship, the accused allegedly created circumstances that subjected the 19-year-old to severe mental distress.

Investigation Underway

The court's rejection of anticipatory bail means the three accused do not receive pre-arrest protection in the case.

Police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 19-year-old's death is continuing. The allegations against the accused are yet to be established through trial.