The Supreme Court has rescinded the bail previously granted by the Patna High Court to a man, Pritesh Kumar, accused of murdering his lover’s husband, merely three months after his arrest. The apex court’s bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, deemed the high court’s decision as “highly premature” given the sensitivity and gravity of the allegations.
The case involves a chilling account where Pritesh Kumar and his lover allegedly conspired to kill her husband, Chandan Kumar Singh, after he discovered their extramarital affair. The murder, executed using a knife, occurred in their bedroom, with the victim sustaining multiple fatal wounds.
The Supreme Court’s ruling emphasized the need for the deposition of crucial witnesses, including those who reportedly witnessed the crime or were aware of the illicit relationship. “Since the grant of bail by the high court is highly premature, the impugned order is accordingly set aside. The respondent No.1 (Pritesh Kumar) is directed to surrender within two weeks,” the bench ordered on August 20.
Furthering its directive, the Supreme Court instructed the trial court to expedite the process and ensure that the statements of private witnesses are recorded within the next four months. This step aims to solidify the foundation of the trial, ensuring a robust examination of the facts.
The case initially came to light with an FIR lodged on October 27, 2023, by Vibhuti Kumar Singh from Sheohar district, accusing Pritesh Kumar of murder and criminal conspiracy. The High Court had released Kumar on bail on March 14, citing the period of his custody and the case’s circumstances, a decision now overturned by the Supreme Court.
