Anissia Batra Case: Court Rejects In-Laws’ Anticipatory Bail Plea

Anissia Batra allegedly killed herself by jumping off the terrace of her South Delhi home.

Mayank Singhvi, Anissia Batra’s husband, was arrested on Monday, 16 July.

(Photo Courtesy: Anissia Batra/Facebook)

The in-laws of air hostess Anissia Batra, who allegedly killed herself in July 2018, have approached the Supreme Court for anticipatory bail, reports ANI.

In response to the bail plea, the apex court said that the matter is very serious and they "can't just brush it aside." According to ANI, the top court also pointed out that there is evidence with police that shows cruelty against Anissia.

The matter will be heard after 10 days.

A Delhi court had on 20 July, dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Annisia Batra’s in-laws and Mayank Singhvi’s parents, reported ANI.

Singhvi, Batra’s husband, was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days on 17 July.

The in-laws of 39-year-old Batra, who allegedly took her own life by jumping off the terrace of her house in south Delhi's Panchsheel Park, will be questioned after 20 July.

Anissia Batra allegedly took her own life on Friday, 13 July. She worked as a flight attendant with Lufthansa Airlines, and lived in Hauz Khas, New Delhi, with her husband.

Singhvi told the police that, on 13 July, he received a text message from his wife that she would take an extreme step, as per NDTV. He also said that he was at home when the incident happened but could’t reach the terrace on time. Singhvi rushed her to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead on arrival, NDTV reported quoting the police.

Anissia’s Family Suspects Foul Play

However, Anissia’s family suspects foul play in her death, according to the NDTV report. Her brother, Karan Batra, said Anissia messaged him minutes before she died saying that her husband had locked her in a room.

He told reporters, “My sister messaged us around 2 pm on Saturday to call the police. She said Mayank had locked her in a room.

Two hours later, she sent a message saying, ‘…because of him my life is going to go, please don't leave him. He is responsible for my life’. “We don't know if he pushed her or she jumped, but we have been trying to get them arrested and the police aren't helping,” her brother added.

Karan said after a delay in lodging the FIR, the police finally registered a complaint under Section 304 (B) – pertaining to dowry death – but took no further action.

The family also alleged that Anissia was tortured by her husband and her in-laws ever since she got married, and have now sought for the arrest of Singhvi’s family.

Police arrested him (the husband) after 72 hours, but his parents have not been arrested yet, who have been named in the FIR. I request the police to arrest his parents soon so the investigation can move forward.

Karan, Anissia’s brother 

Family Had Earlier Filed a Complaint Against “Abusive Husband”

A few days ago, Anissia’s father had filed a complaint with the police against Singhvi and his parents for allegedly torturing Anissia. He had written in his complaint that Anissia’s husband and her in-laws should be held responsible if she faces physical harm.

Mayank Singhvi and his parents have been constantly torturing and beating up my sister. Last month things went so bad that my parents had to come here. Mayank also hit my mother. My father, RS Batra, who had served in the Army for 40 years had registered a police complaint on 27 June. But my parents had to go back because of my mother’s medical condition. We complained to the police because we were worried about my sister’s security. 

Karan Batra, Anissia’s brother

Batra also alleged that Singhvi has been trying to tamper with evidence despite the police sealing her room.

“Nobody from his family called us. Her videography was also supposed to be done but when we went to AIIMS, the police in charge assured us that it was being done, but the doctors told us otherwise. The cops aren't doing anything. The station house officer (SHO) isn't listening to us,” Batra told reporters.

Friends, Family Seek Justice

Family and friends of Anissia took to social media seeking justice for her.

They have also started a Change.org petition to demand justice and swift police action in the case.