The court's decision was influenced by the role attributed to the petitioners and their alleged involvement in the illegal sale of liquor in determining their entitlement to pre-arrest bail.

JUDGMENT

Lalitha Kanneganti, J. - This petition is filed under Section 438 of Code of the Criminal Procedure, 1973 (for short 'Cr.P.C.') to grant pre arrest bail to the petitioners/A-2 and A-3 in the event of their arrest in connection with Crime No.102 of 2021 of Atchampet Police Station, Guntur District, for the offences punishable under Sections 188, 269 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (for short 'I.P.C.') and Sections 34(a) of Andhra Pradesh Excise Act (Amendment 2020).

2. On 29.05.2021, on receipt of credible information, police personnel along with mediators went into the buddi shop of accused No.1, which is situated near Anjaneyaswamy statue, Cherukupalem village, Atchempeta Mandal. On seeing the police, accused No.1 tried to skulk away, then the police apprehended her and on enquiry, she confessed that she is selling liquor bottles and the same were brought by accused No.2 and 3.

3. Heard Sri G.Raju, learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the respondent-State.

4. Learned counsel for the petitioners submit that the petitioners have not committed the offence as alleged and they have falsely implicated in this case and they submit that they are ready to cooperate with the investigation.

5. Learned Additional Public Prosecutor on the other hand submits that the petitioners are not entitled for pre arrest bail because at the behest of the petitioners, accused No.1 was selling liquor illegally.

6. Taking into consideration the role attributed to the petitioners, this Court is not inclined to grant pre-arrest bail to them. But however, the learned counsel for the petitioners submit that the petitioners are ready to surrender before the Court below and move an application seeking bail. On such application if any filed, the Court below shall consider the said application on the same day, in accordance with law.

7. Accordingly, this Criminal Petition is disposed of.

8. Consequently, miscellaneous applications pending, if any, shall stand closed.