[Vismaya Dowry Death] Accused husband Kiran Kumar denied bail by Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court on Friday declined to grant bail to Kiran Kumar, the prime accused in the Vismaya dowry death case..Single judge Justice MR Anitha dismissed the bail plea preferred by Kumar in the case registered against him for his alleged involvement in the death of his wife, Vismaya. .Kumar has been booked for charges under Sections 498A (subjecting a woman to cruelty for dowry) and 304B (dowry death) among others of the Indian Penal Code after Vismaya was found dead, hanging from the window of a bathroom in Kumar's house on June 21, 2021..Only a few days prior to her death, Vismaya had sent pictures of bruises and wounds on her body to her relatives through WhatsApp claiming that she was being harassed by her husband for dowry. Screenshots of the WhatsApp chat and voice notes sent by her were shared by her family after she was found dead.She had allegedly suffered the injuries due to the physical abuse meted out to her by Kumar and his family due to dissatisfaction over the "gifts" given to them for their wedding.While the early reports alleged suicide, it was later investigated as a potential homicide.Kumar had earlier been denied bail by the Sasthamcotta Judicial First Class Magistrate in Kollam, Kerala. .The death of the 24-year-old Ayurveda Medical student had sparked outrage across Kerala and renewed the discussion on prevalence of dowry related harassment, abuse and death in the State.Leaders of all parties, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had strongly condemned the incident with Vijayan releasing a statement that called for reforms to rid society of dowry system.In a circular issued on July 16, the government had also ordered all Heads of Departments of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), autonomous bodies, cultural and other institutions under the government to obtain a declaration from all male govt servants within one month from the wedding of such person that he has not taken any dowry in connection with his marriage..Story to be updated with order.