Dowry case: HC grants anticipatory bail to AIADMK MP

Madurai, July 10 (UNI) The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has granted anticipatory bail to AIADMK MP and popular film comedian S S Chandran and his daughter Kanmani, in a dowry harassment case, registered against them and five of their relatives by the city police.

Mr Justice R Raghupathy, however, directed the father and daughter to appear in person and sign at the All Women Police Station, where the case was registered, on all days except Monday.

The MP was apprehending arrest as the police have formed special teams to nab him. His brother's daughter-in-law Lata of Pazhanganatham area, is the complainant in the dowry harassment case. Lata's husband, D Dhanasekaran has been arrested and remanded to custody.

In her complaint, Lata alias Lata Natchiar had alleged that her husband and in-laws were harassing since her marriage in 2002, demanding more dowry and even threatened to kill her. At the time of her marriage, 50 sovreigns of gold and Rs two lakh cash was given as dowry, she had added.

Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 420 (cheating) and 498-A (harassment of woman by husband) and section 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act have been registered in the case.

In their anticipatory bail petitions, the MP and his daughter denied the charges and contended the case was foisted with ulterior motives. Police have obtained a statement from Dhanasekaran through coercion, the petitioners alleged and sought anticipatory bail.

It was submitted that Dhanasekaran and Lata entered into wedlock four years ago. She had lodged a complaint against him and her in-laws of dowry harassment.

The petitioners assured to cooperate with the investigation in the case and expressed their readiness to accept the conditions imposed by the Court.

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