Allegations Heavy Blow To Culture & Literacy Boasted By 'God's Own Country': Kerala HC Denies Bail To Laila Bhagawal Singh In Human Sacrifice Case

The Kerala High Court has today dismissed the bail application moved by Laila Bhagawal Singh, one of the accused in the Human Sacrifice Case. The case pertains to the abduction, murder, and burial of two women lottery vendors as part of a ritualistic sacrifice by the three accused persons, namely, Muhammed Shafi alias Rasheed, Bhagaval Singh and his wife Laila. Justice Sophy Thomas while dismissing the bail plea stated that the crime has shattered the conscience of the society. It also stated that if the allegations against the accused Laila prove to be true, it would be a blow to the rich cultural heritage and literacy rate of God's Own Country, Kerala.“Here is a case which has shattered the conscience of the society as a whole and it is a shame to the entire humanity. The allegations will show that, wickedness and cruelty of human mind has gone beyond any proportions. If the allegations are found to be true, it will be a heavy blow on the rich cultural heritage and cent percent literacy boasted by Kerala the 'God's own country'. Moreover, if the allegations are proved, the accused persons, either male or female, do not worth the name 'human being'. If the petitioner is released on bail, it will affect the societal peace and tranquility and her presence in society itself will be a source of danger. Moreover, her release may be a black mark in the conscience of the society, and it may send a wrong message to like-minded criminals. So, this Court is not inclined to allow this petition for bail filed by A3.”The Counsel for Laila argued that she was 59 years 59-year-old lady and had been in jail since 2022. It was stated that the investigation was over and the final report was filed. Opposing the bail application, the Public Prosecutor contended that this was a shocking crime beyond human imagination and there was evidence to show her involvement in it. It was submitted that she was a danger to society and should not be released on bail. It was argued that she had played a crucial role in planning, preparation and execution of the murders. Further, it was also argued that the accused had also arranged a pit for burying the body parts of the victims and also cooked their private body parts.Earlier also, the Court had dismissed the bail plea filed by Laila on finding that she has actively participated in the crime and several material evidences were recovered. It also took note that the accused might influence witnesses and interfere with the investigation. The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-VIII, Ernakulam had also dismissed the bail application filed by Laila. It had dismissed the bail plea considering the nature and gravity of the offence. The Kerala High Court had earlier, dismissed the plea moved by the three accused persons in the said case against the Magistrate Court Order granting police the custody of the accused for 12 days, on finding that the order had been passed by the Magistrate Court with great care and caution. Counsel for the applicant: Advocates Biju Antony Aloor, K.P.Prasanth, Archana Suresh, Haritha Hariharan, Thushara T.A., Ailin Elezabath MathewCitation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 59Case title: Laila Bhagaval Singh v. State of KeralaCase number: Bail Appl. 10334/2023

Allegations Heavy Blow To Culture & Literacy Boasted By 'God's Own Country': Kerala HC Denies Bail To Laila Bhagawal Singh In Human Sacrifice Case

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