Surinder Kumar Alias Sonu Dag v. State Of Punjab

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH 115-2 Decided on : 18.03.2026 Surinder Kumar @ Sonu Dag . . . Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Punjab . . . Respondent(s)

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH PRESENT: Mr. Manish Puri, Advocate for the petitioner(s).

Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab.

**** SANJAY VASHISTH , J. (Oral) 1.

Prayer in this second petition, filed under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438 Cr.P.C.), is for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, who has been booked in a criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed here-under:- Name & age of Petitioner (s) FIR No.

Date Section(s) Police Station District Surinder Kumar @ Sonu Dag, aged 47 years 23.11.2025 61-1-14 of Punjab Excise Act, and Section 318(4) of BNS, Sujanpur Pathankot 2.

First anticipatory bail petition filed by the petitioner was dismissed as withdrawn vide order dated 10.12.2025, passed in CRM-M69745-2025 (P-5). 3.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that when co-accused Gurpreet Singh @ Gurpreet Khanna was granted interim relief vide order dated 26.12.2025, passed in CRM-M-73879-2025, a fresh cause of action accrued to the petitioner, and accordingly, the instant second petition has been filed before the same Bench, before whom the first petition was withdrawn. Notice of motion was issued in the present case on 25.02.2026. 4.

Learned counsel contends that FIR in the present case has been

- 2 - got registered at the instance of one Parminder Gupta, Excise Inspector, alleging that secret information was received, and thereupon, when he was present along with the police party, vehicle No. PB-35-Z-0675 (Mahindra Pickup) was intercepted, from which Black Horn 40 boxes and McDowell 19 bottles (21 bottles as mentioned in the impugned order dated 02.12.2025) were recovered. Accused Rajan Gupta was apprehended on the spot, whereas the driver of the vehicle succeeded in running away. The only distinction is that the co-accused Gurpreet Singh @ Gurpreet Khanna, who was allegedly driving the vehicle in question, absconded from the spot by leaving the vehicle, which admittedly belongs to the present petitioner.

5.

On the other hand, learned State counsel has filed the status report dated 17.03.2026 in Court today, which is taken on record. Office to tag the same at appropriate place.

A copy thereof has been handed over to learned counsel for the petitioner.

6.

Learned State counsel submits that there are serious allegations, and once the petitioner is found to be the registered owner of the vehicle in question, there is no escape for him. Therefore, he does not deserve the concession of anticipatory bail.

7.

I have heard the rival submissions from both the sides and perused the relevant material available on record. 8.

At the outset, it is found that the factum of transportation of liquor in the vehicle owned by the petitioner is yet to be determined, and in the absence of any material to show prior knowledge or connivance on his part, it would be difficult to assume his complicity in the commission of the alleged offence.

In view of the factual aspects noticed and recorded here-above, this Court does not find any substantial reason for subjecting the petitioner to custodial interrogation.

Accordingly, petitioner is directed to join the investigation within two weeks from today, or as and when called by the investigating agency, and in the eventuality of the arrest, petitioner would be released on

- 3 - anticipatory bail, subject to his furnishing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer. The petitioner shall also be abide by all the conditions laid down under Section 482(2) of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 438(2) Cr.P.C.).

9.

Besides, it is directed that petitioner would hand over his passport to the Investigating Agency or to Court concerned, if he possesses. Otherwise, would submit an affidavit, disclosing the fact that he does not possess any passport.

It is also directed that before leaving country any time during trial, petitioner would seek prior permission of the Court. 10.

With the directions issued here above, present petition stands disposed of.

Pending misc. application(s), if any, also stand(s) disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE March 18, 2026 J.Ram Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether Reportable:

Yes/No