Manjit Singh v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH CRM No.M-28490 of 2018 (O&M) Date of Decision: July 11, 2018 Manjit Singh

...Petitioner

VERSUS

State of Punjab

...Respondent

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE INDERJIT SINGH

Present:

Mr.J.S.Saggu, Advocate for the petitioner.

**** INDERJIT SINGH, J.

Petitioner has filed this petition under Section 438 Cr.P.C. for grant of anticipatory bail in case FIR No.67 dated 11.05.2018 under Sections 7, 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act and Sections 420,409 and120-B IPC, registered at Police Station Lopoke, District Amritsar. I have heard learned counsel for the petitioner and have gone through the record.

From the record, I find that FIR in the present case has been registered on the application of Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies. As per the allegations, present petitioner Manjit Singh was Secretary of a society. As per the list of loans, there were 229 members of the society, against whom an amount of `4,08,28,228/- was taken as loan. When the verification of accounts was made, 37 members of the society have said that Vineet Gulati 2018.07.13 16:50 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Chandigarh loan of `60,62,240/- outstanding against them is correct, whereas, 21

CRM No.M-28490 of 2018 -2members told during verification that they have never taken any loan total amounting to `25,11,013/- from the society. From the above, it is evident that amount has been embezzled by Manjit Singh, Secretary. The official, who compared the accounts, has reported that there are 78 members against whom loan of `1,52,76,121/- is outstanding but on enquiry, their whereabouts could not be found and these persons were not residing in the village. 31 members of the society have deposed that they have obtained less loan but higher loan has been shown in the list of the bank and total amount of these members comes to `68,77,868/-. Further, there is allegation that 62 members against whom loan of `1,01,00,986/- is outstanding told that their passbooks are with the Secretary.

Keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the present case and in view of the serious allegations against the present petitioner and also in view of the fact that petitioner has embezzled huge amount and has created forged documents and record etc., I find that he is required for custodial interrogation and no ground is made for grant of anticipatory bail. Therefore, finding no merit in the present petition, the same is dismissed.

However, nothing stated above, shall constitute my opinion on merits of the case.

July 11, 2018 (INDERJIT SINGH) Vgulati JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned Yes Whether reportable No Vineet Gulati 2018.07.13 16:50 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Chandigarh