Court Grants Bail to SUV Driver in Coaching Centre Drowning Case

A court granted bail to Manuj Kathuria, an SUV driver arrested for his alleged role in the drowning of three students in a coaching centre's basement. The court noted that harsher charges were dropped, and the remaining offences are bailable. Kathuria must comply with several bail conditions.

A court on Thursday granted bail to Manuj Kathuria, the SUV driver arrested for his alleged role in the drowning of three students in a coaching centre's basement. The court observed that Kathuria was 'implicated in over-enthusiasm' and decided to drop the harsher charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Kumar stipulated that Kathuria should refrain from making any comments to the media about the case. This ruling followed an appeal against the magisterial court's denial of bail earlier in the week.

The court highlighted the absence of essential scientific data to tie Kathuria directly to the incident. Prosecutors also acknowledged that the offence of culpable homicide was not sufficiently established at this stage. Kathuria was, however, ordered to furnish a personal bond and surety bond of Rs 50,000 each and respect all bail conditions, including not tampering with evidence or contacting witnesses.

(With inputs from agencies.)