Bail may be granted to an accused when the investigation is complete and the charge sheet has been filed, particularly where specific allegations against the individual are lacking.

Petition under Section 437 /438/439/482 of Cr.P.C and 528 of BNSS praying that in the circumstances stated in the Memorandum of Grounds of Criminal Petition, the High Court pleased to release the Petitioner on bail in Crime No.165/2025 on the file of the Vetapalem Police Station, Vetapalem, Bapatla District.

The Court made the following:

ORDER

This Criminal Petition under Sections 480 and 482 of BNSS, 2023, seeking to enlarge the Petitioner/A.3 on bail in connection with Crime No.165 of 2025 on the file of Vetapalem Police Station, Bapatla District, for the offences punishable under Sections 109(1), 308(5), 351(2) and 3(5) of BNS, 2023.

The case of the prosecution, as per the averments of the complainant, is that the complainant namely, Shaik Rahaman and his family members are doing gold business under the name and style ‘SVR Sk. Gold Limited’. It is further alleged that on the pretext that if the pledged gold in the bank will be released by the complainant by paying the amount in the bank, A.1 will sell it to them at market rate. Believing the words, the complainant brought Rs.4.00 lakhs cash to release the gold from the bank. The complainant was brought to the house of A.1 at Lakshmipuram and all the accused i.e., A.1 to A.6 attacked on the complainant by closing the doors and threatened the complainant by putting fear of death and extorted the amount of Rs.4.00 lakhs and kicked with their hands and legs. Complainant was admitted in the Government Hospital, Chirala for treatment, where the Police recorded the statement of the complainant and the same is registered as a case in Crime No.165 of 2025 of Vetapalem Police Station.

Heard Sri P.Nagendra Reddy, learned counsel for the Petitioner and Ms.K.Priyanka Lakshmi, learned Assistant Public Prosecutor for respondent State. Perused the material on record.

Learned counsel for the Petitioner would submit that petitioner herein is arrayed as A.3 in the subject crime and that no specific allegations attributed against him attracting the offences lodged against him and that charge sheet has already been filed before the trial Court after completion of investigation and requested to enlarge him on bail.

Learned Assistant Public Prosecutor on instructions would submit that charge sheet is filed and would submit that the Court may pass appropriate orders.

Considering the submissions made, this Criminal Petition is allowed. The Petitioner/A.3 shall be released on his executing a personal bond for Rs.20,000/- (Rupees twenty thousand only) with two sureties for a like sum each to the satisfaction of the trial Court.

Pending applications, if any, shall stands closed.