Court rejects bail of former H’bag SDO accused of wife’s murder

Hazaribag: The Sixth Additional District and Sessions Judge, Hazaribag, rejected the anticipatory bail plea of former SDO Ashok Kumar in connection with the alleged murder of his wife Anita Devi due to severe burns on Dec 27. The case stems from an FIR lodged by the deceased's brother, Raj Kumar Gupta, on Dec 26, accusing Kumar of killing his sister. Since then, Kumar has been absconding, evading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by Hazaribag SP Arvind Kumar Singh.Judge Kamakhya Prasad heard arguments from Kumar's counsel Raj Kumar Raju, defense lawyer Manish Kumar Manhe representing Anita Devi's family, and public prosecutor Rajesh Kumar. Citing the heinous nature of the crime, the court rejected the anticipatory bail application.SDPO headquarters Amit Kumar Anand, who heads the SIT, has been unsuccessful in locating the accused despite extensive efforts. Legal experts suggest that with the bail rejection, police can now arrest Kumar at any time. Alternatively, Kumar may choose to surrender before the court to avoid arrest.