Vengadasalam v. State By

Crl.OP.No.16350 of 2023 G.CHANDRASEKHARAN, J.

This petition is filed to enlarge the petitioner on bail pending investigation in Cr.No.6 of 2023 on the file of the CBCID Villupuram, Villupuram District.

2.It is the submission of learned counsel for the petitioner that petitioner was working as driver under A2. He only transported the chemical from A9's company and was not aware of the contents of the chemical transported. However, he is implicated as accused in Cr.No.6 of 2023 for the offences under Section 304 (2), 304 (1), 302, 328, 120 (B) of I.P.C. and 4 (1-A) (II), 4 (1) (i), 7 (a), 4 (1-A) (I), 14 (A), 4 (1) (aaa) of TNP Act, 7 of Tamil Nadu Denatured Spirit, Methyl alcohol and Varnish (French Polish) Rules, 1959. He is in judicial custody from 18.05.2023. Thus, this petition is filed for seeking bail.

3.In response, the learned Additional Public Prosecutor submitted that it is a case of death of fourteen persons in consuming alcohol mixed with poisonous chemical substances. A11 was the owner of Mahasakthi 1/4

Enterprises which manufactures Methanol. This petitioner along with other accused purchased the Methanol from A11 and mixed with Ethyl alcohol. They packed illicit liquor and sold to public. Fourteen public who consumed poisonous alcohol died. Fifty five persons who consumed this alcohol were admitted in hospital and some of them lost eye sight. Investigation in this case is still pending.

4.Considered the submissions and perused the records. 5.Considering the nature and seriousness of the allegations against this petitioner and other accused, that fourteen persons have lost their lives and fifty five persons are still under going treatment, and that investigation in this case is still pending, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner.

6.Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition is dismissed. 25.07.2023 ep 2/4

G.CHANDRASEKHARAN, J.

ep Crl.OP.No.16350 of 2023 25.07.2023 3/4

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