Digitally signed by BHOLA B N H AT O H LA NATH KHATAI KHATAI Date:

2026.01.13 17:48:12 +0530 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 10454 of 2025 Hemlata Banjare W/o Sunil Kumar Banjare, Aged About 38 Years R/o Satnami Para, Katulboard, Police Station Mohan Nagar, Durg Tahsil And District Durg (C.G.)

... Applicant versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through The Incharge, Outpost- Nagpura, Police Station- Pulgaon, District Durg (C.G.)

... Respondent For Applicant : Mr. Goutam Khetrapal, Advocate For Respondent/State : Mr. Anish Tiwari, Dy. Govt. Advocate Hon'ble Shri Justice Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal

Order On Board

12.01.2026

1. This is the first bail application filed u/s 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for grant of regular bail to the applicant who has been arrested in connection with Crime No.402/2025 registered at Outpost - Nagpura, Police Station Pulgaon, District Durg (CG) for the offence punishable under Sections 103(1), 61(2), 249, 311 & 238 of BNS, 2023.

2. As per the prosecution case, co-accused Akash Baghel and deceased Gangotri Jangde were collecting money from individuals under the pretext of providing them government employment. Fearing exposure when the deceased summoned these individuals for an interview on 20.09.2025, Akash Baghel, along with the present appellant and others, allegedly conspired to commit her murder. In furtherance of this conspiracy, Akash and co-accused Nirbhay took the deceased on a motorcycle to the spot, where they strangled her with a belt and struck her with a stone, causing her death. The allegation against the present applicant is that she was involved in planning the offence through a conference call and assisting in concealment of the motorcycle allegedly used in the crime.

3. Learned counsel appearing for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case. It is submitted that the applicant is an advocate by profession and that no direct evidence exists against her, nor has any seizure been made from her possession. The main accused in the instant case is Akash Baghel; the applicant has been implicated solely based on the memorandum statement of co-accused Nirbhay Jangde. He submits that co-accused Pawan, from whom the motorcycle was seized, has already been released on bail by the trial Court. He further submits that there are total 21 witnesses in this case, the applicant is in jail since 25.09.2025, trial has not commenced and there is no likelihood of the trial to be concluded at the earliest, therefore, considering all these facts the applicant may be released on bail.

4. Learned State counsel, on the other hand, opposing the bail application submits that on the basis of memorandum statement, a cell phone and CDR have been seized which contains conversation between the applicant and the co-accused. Hence, considering the nature of offence, the applicant does not deserve to be released on bail.

5. Heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the case diary. 6. Taking into consideration the entire facts and circumstances of the case, particularly the fact that the applicant is in jail since 25.09.2025, there are total 21 witnesses, trial has not yet commenced and there is all possibility of the trial taking sometime for its final conclusion, without commenting on merits of the case, this Court is of the opinion that prima facie, a case for grant of bail to the applicant has been made out.

7. Accordingly, the application for grant of bail is allowed. It is directed that the present Applicant shall be released on bail on her furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs.25,000/- with one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the concerned trial Court. The applicant is directed to appear before the trial Court on each and every date to be given to her by the said Court till completion of the trial.

8. Office is directed to send a certified copy of this order to the trial Court concerned for necessary information.

Sd/-

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