Thalassery Sessions Court finds prima facie case against main accused; grants pre-arrest bail to second accused citing limited role
A Sessions Court in Kerala has denied anticipatory bail to the prime accused in the suicide case of a dental college student.
However, the Court granted pre-arrest bail to a second accused faculty member. It noted that the two accused had different roles in the case.
The matter relates to the death of a first-year BDS student at a dental college in Kannur district.
Following the student’s death, police registered a case against two teachers of the institution.
The accused included the Head of Department.
The case involves allegations of abetment to suicide. According to the prosecution, the accused played a role in the circumstances that led to the student’s death.
Both accused approached the Thalassery Sessions Court seeking anticipatory bail.
They moved the Court because they apprehended arrest in connection with the case.
Additional Sessions Judge-IV, Sri Vimal J., heard the matter.
The Court examined the material on record. It also considered the allegations against each accused separately.
The Court denied anticipatory bail to Dr. M. Kodanda Ram, the Head of Department and prime accused.
It found that the allegations against him required custodial interrogation at this stage.
Moreover, the Court held that the materials on record disclosed a prima facie case warranting further investigation.
Therefore, the Court said it could not grant pre-arrest bail to him.
In contrast, the Court took a different view in the case of Dr. Sangeetha Nambiar, the second accused.
It observed that her role appeared limited.
Further, the Court held that her custodial interrogation was not necessary at this stage.
Accordingly, it granted her anticipatory bail.
The Court emphasised that bail decisions must depend on the specific role attributed to each accused.
It also distinguished between the degree of involvement alleged against the two faculty members.
As a result, the Court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of the main accused. He now faces arrest in connection with the case.
However, the Court granted pre-arrest bail to the second accused, subject to conditions.
These conditions aim to ensure her cooperation with the investigation.
