The case stemmed from the death of 30-year-old Mahesh Jatav of Uttar Pura, Morena, who died on June 22, 2024, at JAH Medical College in Gwalior after consuming a poisonous substance. Before his death, Mahesh reportedly named the woman in a statement to doctors. Acting on that declaration, police registered a case and arrested her on September 23, 2024.
She was taken from her home late at night and produced in court the next day, where she was remanded to judicial custody. Despite verbal assurances from police that she would secure bail within days, she remained behind bars for 431 days.
During her incarceration, she described prison conditions as “hellish,” citing poor food quality, insects in meals and punitive responses to complaints. She alleged that economic disparity dictated treatment inside the jail, with wealthy inmates receiving privileges unavailable to others.
Her arrest left her husband, a daily wage labourer, struggling to care for their three daughters and son. Financial constraints allowed him to visit her only a handful of times, and he could not afford legal representation.
Defence lawyer Sunil Kumar argued that Mahesh’s alleged statement lacked essential details and that at least 15 women in the area shared the same name. He said no scientific evidence of poisoning was presented and that the investigation was incomplete.
The court concluded that the prosecution had failed to present credible proof, leading to her acquittal.
After her release, she reunited with her children in an emotional scene. “Who will return my lost days?” she asked, saying the forced separation from her family had been the most painful part of her ordeal.
