Firoz Siddiqui v. The State Of Chhattisgarh

NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH, BILASPUR MCRC No. 6677 of 2019 • Firoz Siddiqui S/o Kamruddin Aged About 52 Years, R/o 4th Floor, Shri Ram Heritage, Katora Talab, Raipur, Police Station Civil Line, Raipur, District Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

---- Applicant

Versus

• The State Of Chhattisgarh, Through : Station House Officer, Police Station Civil Line, Raipur, District Raipur, Chhattisgarh. ---- Respondent For Applicant :

Mr. Maneesh Sharma, Adv.

For Respondent/State :

Ms. Reena Singh, PL.

Hon'ble Smt. Justice Rajani Dubey Order on Board 06.11.2019

1. The accused/applicant has moved this first bail application under Section 439 of Criminal Procedure Code for releasing him on regular bail during trial in connection with Crime No. 449/2019 registered at Police Station Civil Line, Raipur, District-Raipur (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 384, 120-B and 34 of IPC.

2. The prosecution story, in brief is that, on 29.07.2019, an FIR has been lodged by complainant Pappu Farishta stating that about one year ago, Firoz Siddiqui stated that he has in his possession videos and recordings in electronic mode which are connected with political leaders and other influential persons, which he can provide to the complainant so that he can make use of the same to increase popularity of newspaper which was published by the complainant. The complainant agreed and met with Firoz Siddiqui and had some talks with him and others on telephone. It is alleged thereafter that Firoz Siddiqui stated that he has recorded all the conversation made by the complainant and he will use the same in

involving him in a false case and by putting him under threat, the present applicant made an extortion of about Rs. 1.90 crore from complainant. The complainant has stated that on one occasion he, through his son, made payment of Rs. 1.50 crore to other coaccused on the saying of present applicant. As the complainant did not fulfill further demands of extortion, therefore, the present applicant made some videos etc. viral, hence, FIR has been lodged.

3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the crime in question. He further submits that the applicant has no previous criminal antecedent. The applicant is in jail since 30.07.2019, there is no likelihood of his case being decided in near future, therefore, the present applicant may be released on bail.

4. On the other hand, counsel for the State opposes the bail application.

5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the case diary.

6. Taking into consideration the nature and gravity of the offence, facts and circumstances of the case, and further considering the facts that the applicant is in jail since 30.07.2019 and the trial is likely to take some time for its final disposal, this Court is of the view that it is a fit case to release the applicant on bail. Accordingly, the application is allowed.

7. Accused/applicant is directed to be released on bail on his executing a personal bond in the sum of Rs. 50,000/- with one local surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the trial Court. He is directed to appear before the trial Court on each and every date given to him by the said Court.

Sd/- (Rajani Dubey) Judge H.L.Sahu