JUDGMENT :

W. DIENGDOH, J.

1. Matter is taken up via video conferencing.

2. This is an application u/s 438 Cr.P.C. preferred by the applicant herein with a prayer to grant pre-arrest bail in connection with Mendipathar Women PS Case No. 02/2021 u/s 366 A/343/376(2)(i)(n) IPC r/w Section 3 (a)/4 POCSO Act.

3. From the application in hand, it is seen that the applicant has averred that he used to help his father who is a vegetable vendor operating in Bajengdoba, Mendipathar, Resubelpara and some other places in North Garo Hills where, in the course of his father’s business a friendship developed between his father and one Shri Ponindro Sangma who is also a petty businessman and in this way acquaintance was established between the two families.

4. The applicant then learned that the said Shri Ponindro Sangma had lodged an FIR at the Bajengdoba PS on 02.01.2021 alleging that his daughter was missing from home without any information and for the police to take necessary action in this regard. Accordingly, the police registered a criminal case being Mendipathar Women PS Case No. 02/2021 u/s 366 A/343/376(2)(i)(n) IPC r/w Section 3 (a)/4 POCSO Act.

5. It is also stated that the alleged missing