Pune court grants bail to Anupama Shinde, accused in mother-in-law's death, citing schizophrenia report

A sessions court in Pune has granted bail to Anupama Shinde, who is accused in the death of her mother-in-law. The court gave weight to two things: a report that she has schizophrenia, and her family's assurance that her treatment will continue.

The order was passed on October 29 by Additional Sessions Judge A. K. Sharma. Under it, Shinde can return home and her treatment by a psychiatrist will continue. Her husband and son have given an undertaking in writing that they will take responsibility for her treatment after her release.

Shinde had been in custody since May 12, the day her mother-in-law died. The prosecution alleges that there had been a dispute at home over some matter before the incident. According to the complaint, the accused locked the elderly woman in a room, bolting it from outside, and then attacked her with a knife. The woman suffered wounds on her hands and neck and died later.

The incident allegedly took place between 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm. Bharati Vidyapeeth police registered a case under Sections 103(1) and 127(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which relate to murder and wrongful confinement. Provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act were also invoked.

In the bail plea, the defence made the medical report its main ground. She was examined on September 7 through the office of the medical superintendent of B. J. Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital. The examination recorded that Shinde has schizophrenia, has had several episodes of it, and was still showing symptoms at the time of the examination.

Her lawyer argued that her mental health should also be considered when deciding whether to keep her in custody. The defence also said she needs regular psychiatric care, which her family can provide outside jail.

The prosecution opposed the plea. It said the charges are extremely serious and bail should not be granted on this ground alone.

Before ruling on the plea, the judge examined the investigation papers, the police reply and the medical report. The court took into account both the recorded mental illness and the promise by her husband and son to take responsibility for her treatment.

For her release, Shinde must furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and a local surety of the same amount.

The court clarified that the bail order does not decide whether the murder charges are right or wrong. Those charges remain subject to legal proceedings.