ORDER :

This Bail Application is filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

2. Petitioner is an accused in Crime No.962/2024 of Walayar Police Station, Palakkad. The above case is registered against the petitioner alleging offences punishable under Sections 111(1), 112(2)(b), 111(3), 111(4), 111(6), 127(7), 140(1), 310(1), 310(2), 311, 318(1), 318(2), 109 & 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for short 'BNS').

3. The Prosecution case is that, between 04.12.2024 and 05.12.2024, accused Nos.1 to 9, being members of a criminal gang, kidnapped the defacto complainant and his friend Thomas Jacob from their house. They were taken to the terrace of the first accused's house, where their hands and legs were tied with ropes and cloth was stuffed into their mouths. The accused demanded a ransom of Rs.10,00,000/- threatening to kill them if the money was not paid. Thomas Jacob was forced to transfer 76,500/- via Google pay and hand over a diamond ring under threat. Hence it is alleged that the accused committed the above mentioned offences. The petitioner was arrested on 30.01.2025.

4. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Pub