Charges framed against VC in dowry harassment case

Chennai, Mar 29 (UNI) A Sessions Court today framed charges against former Vice-Chancellor of Madras University P T Manoharan and three others in a dowry-harassment case.

Fifth Additional Sessions Judge T Ramasamy, before whom Manoharan, his wife, daughter and son appeared, framed charges against them.

Police said actress Nirmala also appeared before the court.

The judge posted the case to April 27 for trial.

The judge framed charges against Manoharan, his wife Kanagavalli, daughter Mala and son Navin under Section 498 A (dowry harassment), 304 B (dowry death), 34 (Act done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC read with Section 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act and an alternative Section 306 (Abetment of Suicide) of IPC.

Manoharan's son Navin was arrested after his wife Madhu committed suicide on July one, 2006, allegedly due to dowry harassment.

Navin was since released on bail. Later, Manoharan, his wife and daughter secured anticipatory bail from Madras High Court.

Madhu's brother filed an SLP in the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court order granting bail and the apex court on February 23 cancelled the bail and directed them to surrender before the court concerned within four weeks.

Following this, the trio on March 22 surrendered before the Fifth Additional Sessions Judge, who remanded them to judicial custody. Later, they obtained bail from the High Court.

UNI