Domestic help abuse case: placement agent gets bail

A Delhi court today granted bail to a woman placement agent who was arrested in connection with alleged confinement and assault of a maid by her employer in Vasant Kunj.
Additional Sessions Judge Dharmesh Kumar Sharma allowed the bail application of accused, Dorothy, who had arranged the maid for 50-year-old Vandana Dhir, also an accused in the case and now lodged in Tihar Jail.
"The accused is granted bail. She (Dorothy) will not tamper with the evidence," the judge said, adding she should not leave Delhi without intimating the court and will always remain present before the investigating officer (IO) as and when she is directed.

While ordering the release of Dorothy from jail, the court directed her to furnish a bail bond of Rs 25,000 with one surety of the like amount.
Dorothy had filed an application before the sessions judge after the magisterial court had on October 26 rejected her bail plea saying the allegation against her is serious in nature and the police also slapped Section 370 (buying or disposing of any person as a slave) of IPC, which is also very serious.
Dhir and Dorothy have been arrested in connection with the case lodged under various sections of the IPC, the Bonded Labour Act, the SC/ST Act and under the Juvenile Justice (care and protection of children) Act.

During the court proceedings today, the police opposed the bail application saying the investigation is at an initial stage and granting her bail now may hamper the probe.
Dorothy's counsel D K Santoshi submitted the probe in the matter is complete and the police have nothing more to recover from her or at her instances.
The counsel submitted if the accused is released on bail she will abide by the court's direction and will not tamper with the evidence.