Pratyusha suicide: HC grants interim protection to Rahul

Justice Mridula Bhatkar granted interim anticipatory bail till April 18 on a bond of Rs30,000

The Bombay high court on Tuesday granted interim protection from arrest to Rahul Raj Singh, who has been booked for allegedly driving his live-in partner and television actor Pratushya Banerjee to commit suicide.

Rahul Raj Singh and Pratyusha Banerjee in happier times. (HT File)

Justice Mridula Bhatkar granted interim anticipatory bail till April 18 on a bond of Rs30,000. Till the next hearing, Singh will have to visit the Bangur Nagar police station every day between 11am and 1pm daily.

Additional public prosecutor Usha Kejriwal opposed the plea on grounds that there are allegations that Singh used to harass Banerjee, demand money from her and physically assault her, which led to her extreme step.

Kejriwal said, on April 1, Singh was in the house from morning till 3pm and he took Banerjee to Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, where she was declared dead. She said the accused was not available to the police for investigation and was admitted to the hospital immediately after the registration of the first information report.

His anticipatory bail plea claims he made arrangements for repayment of her loans. He alleged Banerjee’s ex-boyfriend had once harassed her physically, after which she had lodged a complaint against him at the Oshiwara police station.