Pune: The high court has granted bail to a 41-year-old woman accused of murdering her husband, taking into consideration her serious spinal ailments and her incarceration of over two years and ten months pending trial.Justice Milind N. Jadhav passed the order on Sept 8, Satyam Nimbalkar, the counsel representing the accused, said.Accused Renuka Khanna was arrested on Nov 24, 2023, in connection with the murder of her husband, Nikhil Khanna. According to the Wanowrie police, the couple had quarrelled over several issues, including Nikhil’s failure to take Renuka to Dubai for her birthday and not giving her the expected marriage anniversary gift.While considering Renuka’s bail plea, the high court noted that a physical altercation had taken place between the couple before the murder, during which the applicant also sustained injuries. The court recorded that the accused’s husband died after he was pushed and fell onto a heavy, sharp object.The woman was previously granted temporary bail in April to undergo spinal surgery. Her temporary bail was subsequently extended, and she surrendered on Aug 4 after doctors advised that the surgery could be deferred following a satisfactory response to physiotherapy.Medical reports placed before the high court indicated that she requires spinal exercises twice a day, supervised physiotherapy, and hospital follow-ups every four weeks. She was also advised to avoid forward bending and lifting weights exceeding 5kg.The prosecution opposed the bail plea, submitting that the trial would commence shortly and could be concluded expeditiously. The prosecution added that there are 16 witnesses in the case, around 10 of whom are likely to be examined. However, the court ruled that the applicant’s severe physical difficulties, coupled with her prolonged pretrial incarceration, warranted bail. The judge specifically described her as an “infirm woman” while allowing the application.The court directed her release on a personal recognisance bond of Rs25,000 with one or two sureties in the like amount. The high court clarified that its observations are prima facie and will not influence the outcome of the trial.
