The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Mukhtar Ahmad in a dowry death case after key witnesses, including the victim’s relatives, retracted their statements. The court highlighted the rising trend of fake dowry allegations in such cases.
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UTTAR PRADESH: The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Mukhtar Ahmad, previously accused in his daughter-in-law’s dowry death case, following a significant turn in the trial where key prosecution witnesses retracted their earlier allegations. The decision comes after months of judicial scrutiny, including intervention by the Supreme Court.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court canceled Ahmad’s initial bail, warning that courts must exercise heightened vigilance in cases where a young bride dies under suspicious circumstances shortly after marriage. The apex court had emphasized that such cases carry a strong social message about the seriousness of dowry-related crimes in India.
Background of the Sultanpur Case
The case originated from an FIR filed at Kotwali Nagar police station, Sultanpur, under Sections 498-A and 304-B of the IPC, along with Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The FIR alleged that Mukhtar Ahmad and his family demanded a motorcycle and a car from the bride’s family, and although the motorcycle was provided, the demands continued. On January 22, 2024, the victim was reportedly found hanging from a ceiling fan.
Ahmad had initially received bail from the Allahabad High Court in May 2024, but this was revoked by the Supreme Court in March 2025, citing the disturbing prevalence of dowry deaths and the need for careful judicial oversight.
Witnesses Change Their Testimonies
During the trial, several witnesses, including the victim’s brother and father, reversed their statements. The victim’s brother admitted that initial allegations of dowry harassment were influenced by societal pressure and stated that he had first informed authorities that the death appeared to be a suicide. Other relatives, including her maternal uncle and elder sister, also failed to support the prosecution and were declared hostile.
The high court observed that this reversal highlights a concerning pattern of inconsistent or possibly false allegations in dowry-related cases, noting that fake cases appear to be on the rise.
Bail Granted With Conditions
Considering the changed testimony and the fact that Ahmad had been in custody since mid-March 2025, Justice Pankaj Bhatia granted bail. The court imposed strict conditions, requiring Ahmad to:
- Furnish a personal bond and two sureties of ₹20,000 each.
- Attend all court hearings without fail.
- Refrain from committing similar offenses.
- Avoid influencing, intimidating, or tampering with witnesses or evidence.
Case Title:
Mukhtar Ahmad vs. State Of U.P. Thru. Addl. Chief Secy. Home Lko.
CRIMINAL MISC. BAIL APPLICATION No. – 10767 of 2025
READ JUDGMENT
READ MORE REPORTS ON SECTION 498A