M. Pratheepraj v. State Rep. By The Inspector Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 17-12-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.RAJASEKAR

1. M. Pratheepraj

2. Vetriselvan Vengatasalam Petitioner(s) Vs State rep. by The Inspector of Police, Ramanatham Police Station, Cuddalore District. (Crime No. 278 of 2025) Respondent(s) PRAYER This Criminal Original Petition is filed under Section 482 of BNSS to enlarge the petitioners on Anticipatory bail in Crime No. 278 of 2025 dated 26.11.2025 on the file of the Ramanatham Police Station, Cuddalore. For Petitioner(s):

Ms.A.Aishwarya For Respondent(s):

Ms.J.R.Archana, GA (Crl.Side)

ORDER

The petitioners, who apprehend arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Sections 303(2), 326(a) of BNS Act read with Section 21(1) of Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulations) Act, in Crime No.278 of 2025, seek anticipatory bail.

2. The case of the prosecution is that based on the secret information, the respondent police went to the scene of occurrence and found that the petitioners with illegal possession of 1⁄2 unit of river sand which was piled up in front of one Pichapillai's house. Hence, the case.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that the petitioners are innocent persons and they have been falsely implicated in this case. He further submitted that they are ready to abide by any conditions that may be imposed by this Court. Hence, he prayed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioners.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal side) for the respondent police, submitted that the petitioners had involved in illegal possession of 1/2 unit of river sand and that the petitioners has no previous cases pending against them. Hence, he opposed to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioners.

5. Considering the nature of allegations, the submissions made by learned counsels on either side, nature of allegations and also considering the fact that the petitioners are not only illegally quarried river sand but also caused damage to the ecology and river bed, this Court is not inclined to grant

anticipatory bail to the petitioners.

6. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition stands dismissed. 17-12-2025 gbi To 1.The Inspector of Police, Ramanatham Police Station, Cuddalore District.

2. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

K.RAJASEKAR, J.

gbi CRL OP No. 34475 of 17-12-2025