Overview
- An SC/ST special court approved anticipatory bail for Dr Kulvindersingh Banga, which protects him from arrest as police continue their investigation.
- Judge G G Bhansali said there was no proof of caste-based abuse and noted letters, birthday messages, and a ₹2 lakh fee payment that suggested a supportive relationship.
- Mumbai Police have registered an FIR for abetment of suicide under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and for offences under the SC/ST Act, and they examined WhatsApp chats before widening their focus to the professor.
- Earlier in the case of 24-year-old postgraduate dental student Dr Stuti Sonawane, police arrested her former boyfriend, Fazal Mohammad Khan, based on a multi-page note, and a court later granted him bail.
- Investigators are now analyzing phone data and messages, and any proven offence under the SC/ST law would be tried in a designated court and carry tougher penalties.