Paul Devakumar v. State Rep.By, The Inspector Of Police (Crime)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 13.02.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.RAJASEKAR CRL OP NO. 3529 of 2026 Paul Devakumar Petitioner/A2 Vs The State, Rep. By The Inspector of Police Seven Wells Police Station Chennai District In Crime No. 20 of 2026.`

...Respondent

Prayer: Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 482 of BNSS, 2023, to enlarge the petitioner on bail in the event of his arrest in Crime No. 20 of 2026 on the file of respondent police.

For Petitioners : Mr.C.Arivazhagan For Respondent : Ms.J.R.Archana Government Advocate, Criminal Side ----

O R D E R

The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Sections 306 & 3(5) of BNS 2023, in Crime No.20 of 2026, on the file of the respondent Police, seek anticipatory bail.

1/4

2. The allegation against the petitioner is that the petitioner is ranked as A2 who is an office boy of the de-facto complainant's company. The petitioner, joined hands with other accused involved in stealing various musical instruments in the godown of the de-facto complainant's company and somehow, the de-facto complainant came to know about the theft of musical instruments. Further, it revealed that for more than Rs.49.49 lakhs stolen in the de-facto complainant's company. Immediately, the de-facto complainant lodged a complaint, A1 was arrested in this case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner who is ranked as A2, office boy and he has not benefited from the stealing of theft of properties. He also submitted that the petitioner is ready to cooperate with the investigation. Hence, he prays for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

4.Ms.J.R.Archana, learned Government Advocate (Criminal side) for the respondent police, reiterated the prosecution case and submitted that totally three accused involved in this case and huge amount of Rs.49.49 lakhs involved in this case and the properties worth about Rs.1.60 lakhs have been recovered. He further submitted that investigation in this case is pending. However, he opposed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner. 2/4

5.Considering the nature of allegations; and so far the stolen properties have not been recovered; if anticipatory bail is granted to the petitioner, it would hamper the investigation; this Court is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

6.Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is dismissed. 13.02.2026 MSM To 1.The Inspector of Police Seven Wells Police Station Chennai District In Crime No. 20 of 2026.`

2. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

3/4

K.RAJASEKAR , J.

MSM CRL OP NO. 3529 of 2026 13.02.2026 4/4