Siblings of Minister's Aide Get Bail in Suicide Case

A sessions court recently granted anticipatory bail to Sheetal Garje Andhale and Ajay Garje, siblings of Anant Garje, who serves as the personal assistant to the state environment minister. Anant Garje himself faces charges of abetment to suicide following the death of his wife, Gauri, a dental surgeon, on November 22. The siblings' legal representation emphasized their innocence, stating that the First Information Report (FIR) lacked specific evidence of their involvement in any acts of abetment or cruelty.

The defense further argued that Sheetal and Ajay did not reside with the victim at the time of the alleged incident. They highlighted that no medical reports, complaints, or witness statements directly implicated the siblings in any physical assault or cruelty, asserting that all alleged actions pertained solely to the husband. This defense suggested that the implication of family members was potentially a tactic to exert pressure on the husband amid a matrimonial dispute, amounting to a misuse of legal provisions.

The court's decision to grant anticipatory bail indicates a preliminary assessment that the evidence presented did not strongly link the siblings to the grave charges. This development provides a temporary reprieve for Sheetal and Ajay as the investigation into Gauri Garje's death continues, focusing primarily on the actions of Anant Garje.