In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has granted bail to a woman accused of the sensational murder of her husband, whose body was discovered inside a trolley bag in Odisha’s Khurda district. The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, who considered the prolonged duration of the woman’s custody and her responsibilities towards her minor child.
The accused, who has been in jail since January 23, 2023, approached the apex court following a denial of bail by the Odisha High Court on December 20, 2024. During her time in custody, only 15 out of 37 witnesses have been examined, indicating a likely extended duration until the trial’s conclusion.
Justice Kant noted, “Considering that the petitioner appears unable to influence witnesses and the need to care for her minor child, we grant bail.” However, he clarified that this decision does not reflect any judgment on the guilt or innocence of the accused.
The woman, along with two accomplices including a cousin, was arrested after her husband’s body was found in the Haripur jungle. The police investigation revealed a troubled marital history, with the deceased frequently abusing his wife when intoxicated. It is alleged that after a particularly violent incident on January 20, 2023, the woman conspired with her friend and cousin to murder her husband.
According to the police, the trio executed the murder plan the following day. They purchased a suitcase, spent the evening drinking with the victim, and upon his falling asleep, they strangled him. The body was then stuffed into the suitcase and abandoned in a secluded part of the forest.
The court has mandated that the woman comply with all requirements of the ongoing trial, including regular appearances before the trial court.
