Uttarakhand High Court Grants Bail to Murder Accused in Haridwar Case

Court Decision on Bail for Atul Kumar

The Uttarakhand High Court has granted bail to Atul Kumar, the individual accused of murdering a young woman named Meenakshi in Haridwar. Justice Alok Kumar Verma, while hearing the bail application, noted significant deficiencies in the evidence presented by the prosecution, indicating that it would not be appropriate to keep the accused in custody indefinitely.

According to the complaint filed at the Sidcul police station in Haridwar, Atul Kumar allegedly shot Meenakshi on the evening of December 17, 2024, leading to her death during treatment on December 27. Swati was presented as a witness in this case, but during her testimony in court, she did not support the prosecution's claims.

The defense attorney representing the accused argued that there were no independent witnesses against their client and that the evidence collected was questionable. The government lawyer opposed the bail application but also acknowledged that the main witness did not corroborate the prosecution's case.

The court remarked that the accused has no prior criminal record and is a permanent resident, which reduces the likelihood of him fleeing. Consequently, the court ordered his release on bail, subject to two sureties and a personal bond.