A special Central Bureau of Investigation court in Lucknow on Monday rejected the bail application of former Uttar Pradesh minister Amarmani Tripathi, the main accused in the Madhumita Shukla murder case.

The defence plea that the accused could be given bail owing to his illness was not tenable, as no records had been placed before the court to substantiate the argument, special judicial magistrate R M Yadav said.

The matter was such that only a sessions court could take a decision on it, he said.

Earlier, the court had extended the ex-minister's judicial remand till October 20.

The court also rejected the surrender application moved by Madhumani, Tripathi's wife.

"From the facts and circumstances of the case, a very reasonable suspicion exists about the plausible role of Madhumani in the murder of Madhumita Shukla," the CBI told the court.

Madhumani had moved the application last week following which the court had directed the CBI to make it clear whether she was wanted in connection with the case.

The agency, however, said that at this stage "a definite conclusion about her role cannot be drawn". But she was required to be examined in the light of the evidence, and for forensic and psychological assessment.

It said Madhumani was not available at her different residences and efforts to contact her had not succeeded.