News Snacks

Bombay HC Grants Bail to Woman in Husband’s Murder Conspiracy Case

Court Finds Call Records Insufficient to Establish Direct Role in Crime

22-Month Custody, Slow Trial, and Family Responsibilities Weigh in Bail Decision

By Legal Reporter

New Delhi: October 12, 2026:

The Bombay High Court has granted bail to Puja Chavan, accused of conspiring with her lover and two others to murder her husband in Navi Mumbai. The court ruled that call detail records alone were insufficient to prove her role in the conspiracy, noting her 22-month custody and responsibilities as a mother of two young children.

Case Overview

• Accused: Puja Vijay Chavan, arrested for allegedly conspiring with her lover Bhushan Brahmane and two others to murder her husband, Vijay Chavan.
• Incident: On December 31, 2024, Vijay Chavan was allegedly strangled inside a car and his body thrown in front of a moving train between Rabale and Ghansoli railway stations.
• Prosecution’s Case:
  • Claimed Puja was in a romantic relationship with Brahmane since 2022.
  • Alleged she expressed desire to “get rid” of her husband due to ill-treatment.
  • Relied on call detail records (CDRs) and internet usage data to show constant contact among accused.
• Defence Argument: Puja’s lawyer, Sana Raees Khan, argued that CDRs without transcripts were not incriminating and there was no evidence Puja facilitated her husband’s meeting with the co-accused.
• Court’s Decision: Justice Shyam C Chandak ruled that CDRs alone were insufficient to establish conspiracy. The court emphasized her prolonged custody, slow trial (93 witnesses cited), and her role as mother to two children aged 11 and 7.

Bail Conditions

• Bond: Personal recognisance bond of ₹1 lakh with one or two sureties.
• Attendance: Must mark attendance at Vashi Railway Police Station every third month between 11 am and 2 pm.
• Restrictions:
  • Cannot tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.
  • Must attend court proceedings unless exempted.
  • Must provide contact number and residential address to investigating officer.
• Clarification: Court noted its observations were confined to bail and would not affect trial proceedings.

Legal Context

• Conspiracy Charges: Puja faces charges under IPC sections related to murder and conspiracy.
• Trial Delay: With 93 witnesses, the trial is expected to take considerable time.
• Judicial Balance: The court weighed the seriousness of charges against prolonged custody and lack of direct evidence.

FAQs

Q1: Why was Puja Chavan granted bail?

Because the court found call records alone insufficient to prove her direct role in the conspiracy and considered her long custody and family responsibilities.

Q2: What were the prosecution’s main arguments?

They relied on call detail records and alleged Puja’s romantic involvement and motive to eliminate her husband.

Q3: What conditions were imposed on her bail?

She must furnish a bond of ₹1 lakh, report to police every third month, attend court hearings, and avoid tampering with evidence.

Q4: Does bail mean she is acquitted?

No. Bail only allows her temporary release; the trial will continue to determine guilt or innocence.

Q5: What happens next?

The trial will proceed, with examination of 93 witnesses. Puja must comply with bail conditions until its conclusion.

This case highlights the judiciary’s cautious approach in balancing liberty with trial fairness, especially in serious criminal cases where evidence is circumstantial.