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Fake Raid Case: Grants Bail to Pooja Rajput
In a significant development in the investigation surrounding a brazen extortion attempt involving the impersonation of () officials, the in New Delhi have granted bail to Pooja Rajput. Addressing the , Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Vinod Joshi ruled that as the investigation into Rajput’s involvement is complete, there is no longer a “fruitful purpose” served by her continued .
The Backdrop: A 'Routine' Raid Turns Criminal The case stems from a incident when three individuals, masquerading as officials, gained entry into the New Friends Colony residence of 86-year-old retired architect R.C. Sabharwal. Under the guise of a official raid, the accused allegedly intimidated the family, seized their mobile phones, and coerced them into placing cash and jewellery on a table, which were subsequently stolen.
In the ensuing police investigation, Rekha Devi, a domestic help at the complainant's residence, was identified alongside her sister-in-law, Pooja Rajput. While the maintains that the group conspired to defraud the elderly couple, the defense argued that Rajput was not the primary perpetrator of the offence.
Arguments on Trial During the hearing, the State vehemently opposed the bail plea, citing the severity of the crime and the fact that two accomplices remain at large. The emphasized that the nature of the impersonation conspiracy necessitated Rajput’s continued detention to facilitate the capture of the remaining suspects.
Conversely, the argued that the core of the 's case points toward the , Rekha, as the mastermind. Counsel further highlighted that no recovery of stolen goods was made from Rajput, and the items seized from her residence—uniforms and ID cards—linked directly to another , Prakash, who is already in custody.
Court’s Rationale ACJM Vinod Joshi noted that the procedural milestones for Rajput’s case have been met. With the investigation concluded and the already filed, the court determined that the of detention had been fulfilled. The court highlighted that Rajput’s role was secondary to that of the main perpetrator, Rekha, and that her prolonged presence behind bars was no longer necessary for the interests of justice.
Key Observations The court’s order offers a clear insight into the balance between public safety and the rights of the accused:
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"Admittedly, the accused Rekha is stated to be the main perpetrator behind the offence."
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"The the accused Pooja is stated to be complete and she has spent considerable time in custody."
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"The has been already filed against the accused and this is the first since filing of ."
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"No fruitful purpose shall be served by keeping the accused behind the bars."
Final Orders and Implications The court granted bail to Rajput on a of Rs 25,000, along with two of the same amount. To ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation, strict conditions were imposed: 1. Non-interference: Rajput is barred from visiting or contacting the complainant or witnesses. 2. Technological Compliance: She must keep her mobile phone active, provide her contact details to the Investigating Officer, and report any changes in status immediately. 3. Flight Restriction: She is prohibited from leaving the country without obtaining prior permission from the court.
This judgment serves as a reminder that while allegations of impersonating government officials are viewed by the judiciary as grave, the legal threshold for continuing depends heavily on the progress of the investigation and the specific role of the individual accused. As the search for the remaining suspects continues, the focus of the now shifts back to the primary perpetrators.
