Hardev Singh And ANR v. State Of Punjab

2023:PHHC:059988

The petitioners seek grant of anticipatory bail in respect of a case registered vide FIR No.155 dated 12.11.2022 at Police Station Nangal, District Roopnagar, under Sections 384, 385 IPC and Sections 7 & 7-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The FIR was lodged at the instance of one Dalbir Singh, wherein it is alleged that he runs a stone crusher within the limits of village Algra, and purchases raw-material from Rakesh Kumar Chaudhary from his sanctioned mines. It is alleged that while they transport the rawmaterial from these mines to their crushers, Yashvir Chand Tikka, Advocate Vishal Saini, Hardev Singh (petitioner), Jarnail Singh @ Jola, Surinder Singh Shinda and Jaswinder Singh Giani (petitioners) along with 15-20 unidentified persons stop their vehicles loaded with raw-material and threaten them that they will not allow their vehicles to pass unless they gave some money. It is alleged that in this manner the said persons had been taking Rs.1 lac to Rs.1.5 lacs per crusher and as such, had collected about Rs.2-2.5 crores from the crusher owners over a period of time.

It is contended on behalf of the petitioners that there is no record to substantiate the allegations leveled against the petitioners in respect of any extortion. It has further been submitted that identically situated coaccused, namely, Tikka Yashvir Chand and Jarnail Singh have already been granted anticipatory bal by this court vide common order dated 08.02.2023 passed in CRM-M-54179-2022.

Notice of motion for 27.04.2023.

Meanwhile, in the event of arrest, the petitioners be released on interim bail subject to their furnishing personal bonds and surety bonds to the satisfaction of Arresting/Investigating Officer. However, the petitioners shall join the investigation as and when called upon to do so and cooperate with the Investigating Officer and shall also abide by the conditions as provided under Section 438 (2) Cr.P.C.