THALASSERY, India — A Kerala court has refused anticipatory bail to a Dubai-based Indian man accused of abetting the death of his 20-year-old wife, while allowing his parents to remain out of custody as the investigation continues.
The Sessions Court in Thalassery found prima facie material indicating the alleged involvement of the 27-year-old husband, identified in court records as A.P.C. His parents were granted pre-arrest bail after the court found no credible material linking them to the alleged offences at this stage.
The case concerns the death of Fathimath Riza, who died by suicide on July 28, about six months after her marriage.
What the court considered
Kerala Police had issued a Look Out Circular against A.P.C. after he returned to the UAE following his wife’s death and funeral. He is employed at a typing center in Dubai.
The prosecution told the court that Riza had allegedly faced mental and physical cruelty after raising questions about her husband’s alleged drug use and alleged relationships with other women.
Investigators also relied on a suicide note and a WhatsApp message reportedly sent by Riza to a friend before her death. The prosecution argued that the material supported its allegation of abetment.
In its order, the court said the material gathered during the investigation, including the note and message, was sufficient at this stage to indicate prima facie involvement by the husband.
The finding does not amount to a determination of guilt. The allegations remain subject to investigation and further proceedings before the court.
Parents granted pre-arrest bail
The court took a different view of the allegations against the husband’s parents.
It noted that the suicide note did not contain allegations against them and found that investigators had not presented credible material establishing their involvement in the alleged offences.
The parents were granted anticipatory bail subject to conditions. These include cooperating with investigators, appearing for questioning when required, avoiding contact with the deceased’s relatives and not attempting to influence witnesses.
Defence disputes allegations
The husband’s lawyer denied the allegations during the hearing and maintained that the couple had shared a good relationship.
The defence also told the court that the accused had returned from Dubai to attend his wife’s funeral before going back to the UAE because of his employment.
His lawyers maintained that the husband and his parents had been falsely implicated.
A.P.C. has not been available for comment.
Investigation continues
The latest order follows the Look Out Circular issued by Kerala Police as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding Riza’s death.
The case highlights the legal complications that can arise when an accused person resides or works outside India. A Look Out Circular can alert authorities to an individual’s travel and facilitate action when required under an ongoing investigation.
The court’s latest decision allows the investigation to proceed while keeping the husband’s anticipatory bail request rejected and his parents protected from arrest subject to the conditions imposed by the court.
The allegations against all the accused remain unproven unless established through due legal proceedings.
