In a significant relief to Samajwadi Party legislator Zahid Beg, the Allahabad High Court has granted him bail in a case alleging abetment of suicide, following the death of a teenage domestic help at his residence in Bhadohi.

Justice Sanjay Kumar Singh, while allowing the bail application, observed that prima facie there was no evidence suggesting that Beg had instigated, conspired, or assisted in the commission of suicide by the deceased. The court also noted that the charge sheet had already been filed and there was no likelihood of evidence being tampered with.

In a separate order, the court also granted anticipatory bail to Beg’s wife, Seema Beg, who was named as a co-accused in the case.

According to the prosecution, Nazia, an 18-year-old domestic worker employed at the MLA’s residence, was found hanging on the third floor of the house on September 9, 2024. Another girl was also working at the residence as a domestic help. An FIR was registered five days later on September 14, under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (abetment of suicide), based on a complaint by Sub Inspector Har Datt Pandey.

Following the incident, the District Magistrate of Bhadohi directed the Child Welfare Committee and other concerned authorities to take necessary action. Preliminary inquiries indicated that the deceased was reportedly distressed by her working conditions, which may have led to her taking the extreme step.

During the hearing, the court noted that after Nazia’s death, Seema Beg had promptly informed the deceased’s grandmother. Later, Nazia’s father, Imran Sheikh, alerted the police. Importantly, no suicide note was recovered, and no allegations were made by the family members against Beg or his family during the inquest proceedings.

The court also referred to the statement of Moni, another domestic help in the house, who stated that Beg had scolded Nazia for her work. However, the court observed that even if that claim were assumed to be true, such conduct did not amount to abetment or instigation to commit suicide.

“The father and mother of the deceased, in their statements, have not blamed the applicant for the suicide,” the court emphasized.

While granting bail, the court remarked that with the investigation complete and the charge sheet filed against Beg, Seema Beg, and another co-accused, Jaeem @ Saifi, there remained no possibility of evidence being influenced.

“Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, as well as the nature of the offence, the Court finds that a case for bail is made out,” the order stated.