IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATE OF TELANGANA AT HYDERABAD THE HONOURABLE SMT JUSTICE K. SUJANA CRIMINAL PETITION No.1273 of 2026

18.02.2026 Between:

Gopinath Jasthi.

PETITIONER AND The State of Telangana, Through PS Cyber Crimes, Represented by Public Prosecutor High Court for the State of Telangana, at Hyderabad. RESPONDENT

ORDER

This Criminal Petition is filed for grant of pre-arrest bail to the petitioner who is arrayed as accused in FIR.No.42 of 2026 before the Miryalaguda I Town Police Station, Nalgonda District, registered for the offences punishable under Sections 125, 287, 288, 326(g) of BNS, and 3, 4, 5 of Explosive Substances Act.

2. The prosecution case, in brief, is that on 27.01.2026 at about 15:45 hours, a fire accident occurred in two tin‑shed godowns constructed by the petitioner/accused, Jasti Gopinath, opposite the cremation ground at Bapujinagar, Miryalaguda Town. It is alleged that the petitioner was illegally storing materials used for manufacturing crackers and Diwali shot bombs without requisite permissions and employing about 17 women workers. Due to an electrical short circuit, the stored paper bundles and explosive substances caught fire, resulting in massive flames. Sixteen workers escaped unhurt, while one worker sustained minor burn injuries. Certain houses in the residential locality were also damaged. The fire was controlled by the police and fire department. On the complaint lodged by Dupati Rambabu, a case was registered in FIR No. 42/2026 under Sections 125, 287, 288, 326(g) BNS and Sections 3, 4, 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.

3. Heard Sri Karunakar Reddy, learned counsel for the petitioner, and Sri Ramachandra Reddy, learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondent-State.

4. Learned counsel for the petitioner contended that petitioner is innocent and has been falsely implicated. The incident was a pure accident caused by an electrical short circuit, without any criminal intent. He asserted that none of the offences alleged are attracted, as there was no negligent conduct or unlawful possession of explosives. He further contended that the fire department and electrical inspectors’ reports confirm accidental origin. While averring that the petitioner has cooperated with the investigation, has a fixed abode, and is willing to furnish sureties, he prayed this Court to grant pre arrest bail to the petitioner.

5. On the other hand, learned Additional Public Prosecutor opposed bail stating that the allegations against this petitioner are serious in nature, investigation is not yet completed and custodial interrogation is necessary to ascertain his role.

Therefore, prayed to dismiss this petition.

6. Having regard to the rival submissions made, and on going through the material placed on record, it is noted that the petitioner was found storing explosive substances in godowns situated in a residential locality without requisite permissions. The fire accident caused damage to property and injury to a worker. The plea of accidental fire and absence of mens rea are matters to be examined during trial. At this stage, anticipatory bail cannot be granted in view of the gravity of allegations and public safety concerns. There are no merits in this Criminal Petition and the same is liable to be dismissed.

7. Accordingly, this Criminal petition is dismissed.

Miscellaneous applications, if any pending, shall stand closed.

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K. SUJANA, J Date:18.02.2026 PT THE HONOURABLE SMT JUSTICE K. SUJANA CRIMINAL PETITION No.1273 of 2026 Date: 18.02.2026 PT