September 7, 2025

Panaji buzzes with news as a North Goa court grants bail to Anil Rathod and Kushelappa Rathod, the husband and father-in-law accused in a chilling dowry-suicide case from Arambol in March. Represented by advocate R Dessai, the duo confidently claimed innocence, stating the investigation was done and the chargesheet filed. "There is no evidence on record to show their involvement in the alleged suicide," their lawyer told the court. Judge Apurva R Nagvenkar of Mapusa’s Additional Sessions Court shared keen insights, saying, "The prosecution’s story is that the woman faced cruelty and harassment for dowry just before her suicide. But they do not claim she was murdered. Also, the investigating officer didn’t explain any steps regarding the murder allegation made by the complainant." The court further noted a lack of witnesses and said the evidence was mostly circumstantial. Considering the couple’s minor child needing care and attention, bail was granted to allow healthy development in the family. This case stirred waves when Mandrem police registered a dowry death case after the Pernem deputy collector insisted FIR registration within 24 hours upon the family’s complaint. The family suspected foul play and initially refused to accept the woman’s body for last rites. Angry with the police delay in filing an FIR, they approached the deputy collector who demanded quick police action. In this gripping saga of dowry allegations, the court’s decision highlights the thin line between suspicion and proof, while the welfare of an innocent child also takes center stage.

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Tags: Dowry death, Bail, Goa court, Suicide case, Anil rathod, Kushelappa rathod,