Summary: On December 15, 2025, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court granted bail to Manikandan and Rajesh, who were accused in a harassment case linked to a loan recovery that tragically led to a suicide.
The case started when Gnanavel reported that his wife tragically took her own life on September 30, 2025. She was reportedly harassed by Naveen, a debt collector from Cholamandalam Finance and Belstare Micro Finance Limited, who was demanding that she pay back a loan immediately.
Manikandan and Rajesh, also debt collectors, first had their requests to be released on bail turned down by the Special Court in Pudukkottai on May 8, 2025. They asked the Madurai Bench to reconsider, but their request was turned down again on November 18, 2025, because the investigation was still happening.
By November 21, 2025, the main person accused, Naveen, was allowed to be released on bail. This played an important role in Manikandan and Rajesh's argument for their own release, as they claimed they were not directly involved in what happened.
Manikandan and Rajesh's lawyer argued that their names were not mentioned in the police report and pointed out that Naveen, the main person accused, was already out on bail. They argued that since the investigation was complete and charges had been filed, they should be allowed bail too.
On December 15, 2025, Justice N. Mala allowed Manikandan and Rajesh to be released on bail. They were told to pay a bond of Rs.10,000 each and to check in at the Kanniyakumari Police Station twice a day for 15 days, except on days they had to be in court.
"Since the investigation is complete and the main accused is on bail, the appeal is allowed," stated Justice N. Mala.
Justice N. Mala decided to grant bail to Manikandan and Rajesh after considering the completion of the investigation and the fact that the main accused was already out on bail. They were instructed to follow certain conditions as part of their bail agreement.
