The Delhi High Court on April 4 granted interim protection from arrest to a Delhi Police Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) accused in a dowry death case, where the victim was allegedly murdered by her husband in the UK. The main accused is absconding, and a Look Out Circular (LOC) has been issued against him.
⚖️ Case Background
- The accused ASI, the uncle of the victim’s husband, had his anticipatory bail plea rejected by the trial court on April 1, 2025.
- He then moved the High Court, which has now granted interim relief from coercive action until the next hearing on May 14, 2025.
- Justice Neena Bansal Krishna directed that the ASI must join the investigation whenever served with a notice under Section 35 B.N.S.S.
📜 Case Details
- FIR Date: December 3, 2024
- Police Station: Palam Village
- Sections Invoked:
- IPC 1860: 498A (Cruelty for dowry), 406 (Criminal breach of trust), 34 (Common intention)
- BNS 2025: Section 85, 316/3(5)
- The husband’s parents were arrested on March 14, and their bail was also rejected.
- The FIR initially dealt with dowry-related cruelty, but the section for dowry death was added after investigation.
- Mobile phone records and WhatsApp communications with co-accused are still under probe.
👨⚖️ Arguments by ASI’s Counsel
Advocate Siddharth Yadav, representing the ASI, argued that:
- The accusations are vindictive.
- The ASI had treated the deceased with respect and affection, even transferring ₹15 lakh to her for UK visa processing.
🚨 Police’s Response
Delhi Police maintained that:
- The husband remains absconding, and efforts are on to declare him a proclaimed offender.
- There is a risk of evidence tampering, witness intimidation, and absconding, if bail is granted.
⏩ What’s Next?
- Delhi Police is to submit a status report in three weeks.
- The matter is listed for the next hearing on May 14, 2025.
- The Delhi HC has also directed the police to expedite the investigation and ensure the husband’s arrest.
This case sheds light on the complexities of dowry-related offences that often span international borders, and the growing relevance of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in new criminal procedures.