PUNE: The Pune sessions court has rejected the anticipatory bail application of police sub-inspector Dhanaji Tone, accused of physically and mentally harassing his wife, subjecting her to an illegal foetal sex determination test and forcing her to undergo an abortion against her wishes.
The court held that Tone’s custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover the facts of the case. Manjari Police Station had filed a case against the two under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including attempt to murder, causing miscarriage without consent, voluntarily causing hurt, cruelty and criminal intimidation. However, the court granted conditional anticipatory bail to his mother, co-accused Anusaya Tone, 70, on a personal bond and surety of ₹ 20,000.
Additional Sessions Judge HM Bhosale, while rejecting the plea on Friday, observed that illegal abortions were serious offences against society and expressed concern over the alleged involvement of a police officer in such activities.
Opposing the bail plea, special public prosecutor Sunil Hande argued that the allegations required a thorough investigation and custodial interrogation. The prosecution also submitted medical reports indicating that no foetal abnormality had been detected during the pregnancy. The prosecution informed the court that the doctor allegedly involved in the illegal abortion was already in jail in connection with illegal activities. After examining the evidence and hearing both sides, the court rejected Tone’s plea while granting his mother conditional protection from arrest.
