ORDER

This petition seeking anticipatory bail has been filed by the

1^st accused in Crime No.117 of 2026 of Melparamba Police Station, Kasargod registered alleging commission of offences punishable under Sections 137 (2), 127(2), 115(2), 118(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

2. The prosecution allegation is that, on 06.03.2026, the accused persons allegedly abducted the de facto complainant, wrongfully confined him, and assaulted him from the car while taking him to various places, and thereafter abandoned him at Malparamba town. The alleged motive is stated to be a financial dispute between the parties.

3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Public Prosecutor.

4. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is totally innocent of the allegations leveled against him. According to the counsel, the delay of one day in lodging the FIR in this case itself shows that this case is the result of some after thoughts, deliberations and consultations. According to the counsel, even if the prosecution allegation is believed as such, an offence under Section 324 would not attract. Moreover, it was further submitted that the petition