Special Court denies bail in Chirgaon Minor’s suicide case; SC/ST Act invoked as investigation deepens
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source internet
Shimla, Nov 15,
A special court in Shimla has refused bail to Pushpa Devi, who stands accused in the alleged abetment-to-suicide case of a minor boy from the Chirgaon region. The court held that the allegations were “grave and deeply disturbing”, adding that releasing the accused at this stage may risk evidence tampering and influence on key witnesses.
The case dates back to September 20, 2025, when a minor boy reportedly consumed a poisonous substance and later succumbed during treatment. According to the police investigation, the child had been accused of theft at Pushpa Devi’s shop and was allegedly detained, intimidated, and harassed—both physically and mentally—before the tragic incident.
Family alleges confinement, humiliation
In statements recorded before the court, the victim’s mother claimed that Pushpa Devi had confined the boy inside a cowshed in anger, further insisting that the family provide a goat in exchange for releasing him. The family alleged that the ordeal left the child terrified, humiliated, and emotionally overwhelmed—factors they believe drove him to consume poison.
The matter took a more sensitive turn after the family alleged that the child had also been subjected to caste-based humiliation. Following these assertions, the investigating agency added SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act provisions to the FIR, significantly tightening the legal framework of the case.
Prosecution cites CDRs, forensic inputs
Opposing the bail plea, the prosecution presented multiple pieces of evidence including call detail records, digital statements, and forensic assessments. These materials, the prosecution said, revealed discrepancies in Pushpa Devi’s narrative and supported the contention that her release could jeopardise the integrity of the investigation.
The court concurred with the prosecution, observing that a prima facie case existed and that releasing the accused at this stage could lead to potential destruction of evidence or coercion of witnesses.
Accused sent to judicial custody
With bail denied, Pushpa Devi has been remanded to judicial custody. The case will now proceed into its next stages of investigation and trial, with the court directing the police to expedite collection of remaining evidence.
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