Punjab and Haryana High Court cancels murder accused's bail for 'band baja dunga' Instagram threat

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday cancelled the bail of a murder accused who allegedly threatened the complainant and his family through Instagram and Facebook messages, including the chilling warning, "band baja dunga iske chakkar me to sabki" (Because of this, everyone is going to get destroyed).

Justice Vikram Aggarwal, while allowing the petition filed by complainant Sourabh Narula, noted that the accused had violated the most essential condition of his bail order by threatening the complainant's side. The court also observed that the accused's behavior during a video conference was "abnormal and speech incoherent."

The Background: Murder Case and Bail

The case stems from an FIR registered on June 24, 2023, at Police Station Civil Lines, Kaithal, under Sections 302, 323, 341, 427 IPC and relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Arms Act. The accused, Suresh @ Binni Sardana, was alleged to have murdered Shyam Lal, a servant of Mukul, who is a cousin of the complainant.

On January 28, 2026, a coordinate bench of the High Court granted regular bail to Suresh in CRA-S-2999-2025. However, soon after his release, the complainant and his family began receiving threats.

The Threats: "Band baja dunga"

According to the petition, Suresh sent threatening and defamatory messages from his Instagram and Facebook accounts to the complainant and his father. One message to the complainant's sister read: "band bja dunga iske chakkar me to sabki" – a threat that the court took seriously. The accused also allegedly threatened the complainant's brother in person on Dhand road and warned that if the complainant deposed in court, he would upload photographs of his sister on social media.

The complainant filed a complaint on March 4, 2026, leading to the registration of a fresh FIR (No.72 dated March 17, 2026) under Sections 127(2), 230(1), 351(2), 75(2), and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Suresh was arrested and is currently in custody in that case.

Court's Analysis: Violation of Bail Conditions

The court, relying on the principles laid down by the Supreme Court in Aslam Babalal Desai v. State of Maharashtra (1993) and Ms. P v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2022), held that cancellation of bail is a drastic measure but warranted when the accused misuses liberty by threatening witnesses or interfering with the trial.

Justice Aggarwal observed that the accused's conduct post-bail clearly violated the condition that he not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat, or promise to any person acquainted with the facts. The court noted, "He has violated the most essential condition of the order granting bail by threatening the complainant side."

Abnormal Behavior Noted

During the proceedings, the accused appeared through video conference. The court recorded that his behavior was "abnormal and speech incoherent" and directed the jail authorities to get his mental state examined if required.

Decision: Bail Cancelled

Allowing the petition, the court cancelled the bail granted to Suresh on January 28, 2026. The court directed the State to take necessary steps to secure his custody.

Key Observations from the Judgment:

  • "Respondent No.2 cannot be permitted to remain on bail because if it is so permitted, any untoward incident can take place."
  • "He has violated the most essential condition of the order granting bail by threatening the complainant side."
  • "When respondent No.2 appeared before this Court through video conference, his behaviour was found to be abnormal and speech incoherent ."

The judgment serves as a strong reminder that bail is a concession that can be revoked if the accused misuses their freedom, especially by threatening victims or witnesses.