Mumbai: Bail paperwork keeps Indrani Mukerjea in jail for 1 more night; may walk out today

MUMBAI: Granted bail after bail after spending six-and-a-half years behind bars, murder accused Indrani Mukerjea will have to spend another night in jail as her bail formalities could not be completed on Thursday. Indrani (50) is likely to be released from Byculla jail, where she has been lodged since her arrest in August 2015 for the murder of her daughter Sheena Bora, on Friday afternoon. "Due to (court) vacation, the cash department closes early. Also, we got the authenticated copy of the provisional cash bail order at 4pm," Indrani's advocate Sana Raees Khan said.
After her release, Indrani will head to her residence at Marlow building in Worli.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court granted Indrani bail. A bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao, B R Gavai and A S Bopanna said she should be released with the same terms and conditions imposed on Peter Mukerjea, her ex-husband and co-accused, by the Bombay high court. Peter was given bail on a surety of Rs 2 lakh in 2015.
A release plea was made before the trial court on Thursday. Indrani's lawyer Sana Raees Khan cited Indrani's financial difficulties and requested the special CBI court to limit her surety amount to Rs 1 lakh. Khan submitted that Indrani is a woman and has been behind bars for almost seven years. She also requested the court to allow provisional cash bail for 2-3 months till surety can be arranged.
Special CBI judge V C Barde allowed Indrani's release on a provisional cash bail of Rs 2 lakh. The court granted her two weeks to furnish solvent surety of Rs 2 lakh. The court directed Indrani to "scrupulously observe conditions imposed on her by the Supreme Court". "Furnishing solvent surety in the sum as directed may take some time, and keeping in view the said fact, as the accused is ready to furnish cash bail provisionally, she may be released after furnishing cash bail," the special judge said.
The apex court has directed Indrani not to leave the country without the court's permission, regularly attend the trial and not seek any adjournment. In accordance with another condition, Indrani is not to meet or establish contact with the witnesses till recording of evidence is over. This will also include her daughter, Vidhie Mukerjea, a writer. The court said that in case of two defaults in appearing before the trial court or breach of any of the above conditions, the prosecution can apply for cancellation of bail.
So far, 67 witnesses have deposed in the trial that commenced in 2017. Sheena's fiance and Peter's son from an earlier marriage, Rahul Mukerjea has been summoned to depose next. The trial will continue on May 27.