ORDER :

This is an application for anticipatory bail filed under Section 438 Cr.P.C.

2. The petitioners are Accused Nos.6, 7 and 10 in the case registered as Crime No.240/2021 of the Museum Police Station.

3. The case was registered against the accused initially under Sections 408, 417 and 420 read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code. Subsequently, the offences punishable under Section 120B of the IPC and Section 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended by Amendment Act of 2018) was incorporated.

4. The first accused was the Senior Clerk in the Scheduled Caste Development Office. Accused 2 to 10 in the case are the friends and relatives of the first accused. It is alleged that the first accused credited the money sanctioned by the Government, which was to be paid to various beneficiaries, to the bank accounts of accused 2 to 10 and thereafter got the amount withdrawn by them and paid to him. Therefore, it is alleged that the accused have cheated the Government as well as the real beneficiaries who were entitled to get the money under various schemes of the Government.

5. Heard learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned Public Prosecutor. Perused the statement