Madras Varsity Ex-VC gets anticipatory bail

Chennai, July 11 (UNI) Madras High Court today granted anticipatory bail to University of Madras Former Vice Chancellor, his wife, daughter and T V Artiste Nirmala who apprehended arrest in connection with the death of Mr Manoharan's daughter-in-law Madhudevi who allegedly committed suicide due to dowry harassment.

Mr Justice K N Basha granted the bail to Mr Manoharan, his wife Kangavalli, daughter Uma and Nirmala on the condition they execute a bond for Rs 25,000 and two surieties each for a like sum.

Granting bail to Mr Manoharan and his family, the judge said on a perusal of the FIR and the suicide note, it was noted though they were direct allegations against Madhudevi's husband Naveenkumar, the allegations against the trio were general in nature.

Moreover, Naveenkumar had already been arrested, interrogated and under incarceration. The petitioners were only in-laws.

Naveenkumar's parents were aged and there were no serious apprehensions of they fleeing justice or likely to indulge in tampering and hampering the investigation. Hence, grant of anticipatory bail will in no way affect the investigation.

While granting bail to Nirmala, the judge observed she was in no way related to the victim except for the vague allegation that Naveenkumar was having an affair with her. No specific allegation was levelled against her in the FIR and the suicide report.

The judge said while Manoharan should appear before the Adyar All Women Police Station daily for two weeks, the other three should report to the same police station daily for three days between 1030 hrs and 1230 hrs.

They should also appear for interrogation as and when required.

Manoharan, his wife and daughter in consultation with Naveenkumar, shall hand over all materials including gold jewellery, silver articles and cash to the father of the deceased.

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