2 28-01-2026 Heard Mr. Gajendra Kumar Singh, learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner and Mr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, learned APP for the State.

2. The petitioner seeks pre-arrest bail in connection with Mufassil P.S. Case No. 314 of 2025, registered for the offence punishable under Section 96 of the B.N.S.

3. As per the allegation made in the FIR, petitioner had allegedly eloped with the minor daughter of the informant with an intention to solemnize marriage with her.

4. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submitted that petitioner has just emerged as an adult and he is aged about 21 years. The petitioner and minor daughter of the informant were friends. The victim girl has nowhere alleged in her statement recorded under Section 183 BNSS before the concerned magistrate that the petitioner, in any manner, has forcibly kidnapped her and committed any sexual assault, rather, she has given statement that she, on her own, went to Patna along with the petitioner. Petitioner has clean antecedent. On these grounds, petitioner seeks to be released on pre-arrest bail.

5. Learned APP for the State vehemently opposed the prayer for grant of pre-arrest bail.

6. Havin