Pregnant accused in PSI scam released on bail

S Shyam Prasad | NT

Bengaluru: The High Court has ordered the release of a 30-year-old accused in the police sub-inspector recruitment scam as she is nine-months pregnant and is expecting delivery anytime. Huvamma aka Jyothi was allegedly involved in the scam and is the accused number 17 in the case pending before the Judicial Magistrate First Class court in Kalaburagi.

The exams for the PSI recruitment were conducted at the Jnanajyothi English Medium School in Kalaburagi. The chairman and the teachers of the school in collusion with others are alleged to have illegally helped candidates pass the exam. The specific case against Jyothi was that one of her relatives asked her to introduce candidates who were appearing for the exam and who were willing to pay cash to pass the exam.

One of the candidates allegedly agreed to pay Rs 50 lakh. Approaching the HC for bail, Jyothi’s advocate contended that apart from a confessional statement of one of the accused, there was no other material against her. He also submitted that she was expecting a child anytime soon and should be granted bail.

“The petitioner was arrested on April 28, 2022 and since then she is in judicial custody. It is submitted that the petitioner is pregnant. The same is not disputed. The medical report of the petitioner dated April 24, 2022 confirms the same. Learned counsel submits the petitioner is now nine months pregnant and she is expecting delivery,” Justice Mohammad Nawaz noted in his judgment.

“The prosecution has to establish the guilt of the accused in a full-fledged trial. Considering that the petitioner is a pregnant woman and since she is already interrogated and no more required for further interrogation/investigation, without expressing any view on the merits of the case, the relief sought by her can be granted by imposing appropriate conditions,” the HC said.

Releasing her from custody, the HC directed her to execute a personal bond for Rs.2 lakh rupees. She was also directed not to leave the jurisdiction of the trial court and appear before the trial court on all dates of hearing.