Petitioners Accused of Harassment and Black Magic Face Custodial Interrogation
In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court, Dharwad Bench, has denied anticipatory bail to Shri. Chandrakanth Ananda Kumbar @ Bhargav and others, accused in a case involving the alleged suicide of Chennayya Nilajageri, the husband of the complainant. The judgment was delivered by Justice V. Srishananda on February 3, 2026, in Criminal Petition No. 100036 of 2026.
The petitioners, accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Sections 108, 3(5), and 351(2), sought anticipatory bail after being implicated in the harassment and alleged threats leading to the suicide of the complainant's husband. The case was registered at Vidyagiri Police Station, Dharwad, with the petitioners absconding since the alleged crime.
The complainant, Smt. Sudha, reported that her husband had worked as a driver for the petitioners between 2016 and 2019, during which he was allegedly subjected to financial exploitation and coercion. The petitioners were also accused of practicing black magic. The situation escalated when the petitioners purportedly demanded Rs. 10,00,000 from the deceased, a sum allegedly saved by him.
A crucial aspect of the case is the presence of a death note and a video clipping recorded by the deceased before his death, which allegedly establishes a direct threat from the petitioners. The court noted the necessity of custodial interrogation to further the investigation, given the prima facie evidence linking the petitioners to the suicide.
Despite the defense's arguments highlighting inconsistencies in the complainant's statements and asserting the petitioners' willingness to cooperate with the investigation, the court found the evidence compelling enough to deny bail. The High Court emphasized the importance of investigating the contents of the death note and the video clipping to uncover the truth behind the allegations.
The ruling marks a significant development in the case, underscoring the court's commitment to thorough investigation in matters involving severe allegations like abetment to suicide. The petitioners will now face custodial interrogation as part of the ongoing investigation.
Bottom Line:
Anticipatory bail was denied to the petitioners due to prima facie evidence indicating a direct nexus between the suicidal death of the complainant's husband and the alleged threats from the petitioners.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Sections 108, 3(5), 351(2)
