The Delhi High Court, on 30th July 2025, refused to grant regular bail to Rihan Khan @ Dulare, who is accused in a dowry-related suicide case registered under FIR No. 309/2022 at Police Station Khajuri Khas. The accused sought relief under Section 306/498A/313/511 of the IPC.
Background of the Case
Justice Girish Kathpalia heard the matter and noted that the case stems from the tragic suicide of Gulnaz @ Julie, wife of the accused. The FIR was lodged based on the statement of the deceased’s mother, Smt. Shahnaz Bano.
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The following key facts were highlighted:
- Marriage: The deceased married the accused on 25.04.2019 without their families' consent.
- Secrecy & Pressure: Rihan Khan hid the marriage from his family. Upon discovery 8-9 months later, his parents allegedly pressured him to abandon his wife.
- Allegations of Abuse: The deceased’s mother detailed prolonged physical and mental harassment for dowry.
- Death & Suspicions: On 26.03.2022, she received a call about her daughter’s death and even saw the body over a video call. She strongly suspected foul play by the accused and his family.
“Main Gulnaz urf Julie apne poore hosh aur hawas mein atmhatya karne ja rahi hu. Meri maut ka zimmedar mera pati Rehan Khan urf Dulare hai. Meri zindagi barbad kar raha hai... Mera pati mujhe dhokha de raha hai.”
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The deceased left behind a handwritten suicide note explicitly blaming her husband. This note became a key factor against granting bail.
- The prosecution has listed 20 witnesses, out of which only 7 have been examined so far. The accused has been in custody for over three years and four months.
- Despite the custody period, the court emphasized that: “Gravity of offence is certainly an important aspect to be kept in mind… especially when the material on record supports the prosecution.”
- The testimonies of the deceased’s parents strongly supported the prosecution’s version.
- The suicide note, directly implicating the accused, weighed heavily in the court’s mind.
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Considering all facts, including the seriousness of the charges, supporting evidence, and statements of key witnesses, the court concluded:
“I do not find it a fit case to grant bail to the accused/applicant. The bail application is dismissed.”
Case Title: Rihan Khan @ Dulare vs. State of NCT of Delhi
Case Number: BAIL APPLN. 2165/2025
Date of Order: 30 July 2025