The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday approved regular bail for a woman arrested in connection with the death of a local politician’s daughter-in-law in Surat district.
Justice Hasmukh D. Suthar ordered the release of Ishika alias Rani Samir Benarji on October 14, observing that the investigation had progressed substantially, nothing remained to be recovered from her, she had no prior criminal record, and the trial would take time to conclude.
Benarji had been in judicial custody since August 26. She was arrested after 24-year-old Nidhikumari Singh died by suicide on August 23 in Kadodara.
Bail Conditions and Legal Observations
Granting relief on a personal bond of Rs 25,000 along with a surety of equal value, the High Court directed Benarji not to leave Gujarat without prior permission from the trial court and instructed her to surrender any passport she holds. The court also ordered her to mark her attendance at the local police station on a weekly basis until investigators submit the chargesheet, and subsequently once a month for the following six months.
The court noted the prosecution’s claim that Benarji had an affair with the victim’s husband, which allegedly led to marital conflict, harassment, and the victim subsequently taking her own life after leaving a note naming Benarji. While referencing Supreme Court precedents, the High Court made it clear that it was not evaluating the detailed merits of the evidence during the bail hearing, instructing the trial court not to be swayed by preliminary remarks during the actual trial.
Arguments Presented in Court
The state prosecution had opposed the bail petition, asserting that Benarji took an active part in a serious offence. In response, Benarji’s legal counsel argued that she was innocent, had been falsely named, and pointed out that the bulk of the police investigation had already concluded.
Benarji faces charges of abetment of suicide, cruelty by a husband, and abetment by a person present at the scene of an offence, registered at Kadodara GIDC police station. In September, a local court had turned down her earlier request for bail on grounds that her name was found in the victim’s suicide note and case documents pointed to her alleged involvement.
Background of the Complaint
According to the initial complaint filed by the victim’s brother, Singh had married Saurabh Singh, the son of local BJP leader Shashi Singh, earlier in 2024. The couple resided in Kadodara, where repeated domestic friction arose over Saurabh’s alleged relationship with Benarji.
The complainant stated that shortly before her death, Singh contacted her mother over the phone and voiced apprehension that her husband would kill her. The family later received news that she had died. Police subsequently registered a case against both the husband and Benarji.
