Gujarat HC Denies Bail In Suicide Case, Raises Concern Over ‘Growing Culture Of Violence, Extortion And Honey Traps’

The Gujarat High Court has rejected the regular bail plea of Jeram Sindhav, an accused in an extortion and abetment-to-suicide case registered in Surendranagar district, while expressing grave concern over what it described as a “growing culture of violence, extortion, honey trap and exploitation” in society.

The single-judge Bench observed that the material collected during the investigation indicated “clear highhandedness” and intense pressure allegedly exerted on an ordinary citizen.

“Life is dear one. The growing culture of violence, extortion, honey trap and exploitation in society sends shock-waves through the civilized world,” the court observed.

Victim Left Suicide Note And Dying Declaration

The case relates to the suicide of a 35-year-old man who allegedly faced persistent harassment and left behind a suicide note and a dying declaration detailing the alleged ordeal.

According to the prosecution papers, the accused allegedly orchestrated a honey trap, forcibly made the victim consume liquor and recorded video footage of him in a compromising position. The victim was subsequently allegedly subjected to extortion and ₹10 lakh was taken from him.

The prosecution further alleged that despite the victim making multiple complaints, the physical and mental harassment continued.

The court noted that the alleged offences had a serious impact beyond the immediate victim, observing that their continued perpetration leads to a “constant erosion of basic human values, such as tolerance and the spirit of ‘live and let live’.”

Court Rejects Bail Argument After Charge-Sheet

The defence argued that the investigation had been completed and the charge-sheet had already been filed, and therefore the accused should be granted bail.

The High Court, however, rejected the contention, observing that filing of a charge-sheet merely indicates that the investigation had resulted in sufficient material for the case to proceed to trial.

The court also took note of the seriousness of the allegations and the possibility of evidence being tampered with, while relying on Supreme Court precedents concerning serious offences affecting society.

Trial Court Asked To Expedite Proceedings

While dismissing Sindhav’s regular bail application, the High Court directed the trial court to expedite the proceedings.

The order comes against the backdrop of allegations that the victim was subjected to sustained physical and mental pressure, with the prosecution also alleging that the influence of a co-accused brother contributed to the harassment continuing unchecked.

The court's observations underscored the seriousness with which it viewed allegations involving extortion, exploitation and abetment of suicide.