ORDER

This petition seeking anticipatory bail has been filed by the sole accused in Crime No.1639/2025 of Sulthan Bathery Police Station, registered, alleging commission of offences punishable under Sections 78 (1), 351(2), 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (for short “ BNS ”).

2. The prosecution allegation is that on 06.12.2025 at 07.10 a.m., the accused followed the de facto complainant, aged 15 years, in a Thar Jeep and wrongfully restrained her in front of the St.Mary’s Nooranal Church at Sulthan Bathery and threatened her and compelled her to board the jeep while she was proceeding to the Minerva PSC centre. Hence, the accused is alleged to have committed the above-mentioned offence.

3. I heard Smt. Celine Joseph, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Smt. Sreeja V., the learned Senior Public Prosecutor, and have perused the available records.

4. The allegation that the petitioner followed a minor girl aged 15 years in a jeep and attempted to lure her and threatened her to enter into the said jeep cannot be viewed lightly. The incident that led to the registration of this case occurred on 06.12.2025 at 07.10 a.m. From the available records, it is gatherable