Amritpal Singh Alias Bhatti v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA, CHANDIGARH

Sr. No.: 205 Criminal Miscellaneous No.M-18973 of 2025 Date of Decision: May 19, 2025 Amritpal Singh @ Bhatti ..... PETITIONER(S)

VERSUS

State of Punjab ..... RESPONDENT(S)

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE MAHABIR SINGH SINDHU PRESENT: - Mr. Anmol Puri, Advocate, for the petitioner.

Mr. Amit Shukla, DAG Punjab.

MAHABIR SINGH SINDHU, J Present petition has been filed under Section 482 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking pre-arrest bail in FIR No.266 dated 17.12.2024 under Sections 308(4), 308(3), 61(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for short 'BNS'); (Sections 351 & 308(2) of BNS added later on,) registered at Police Station, City, District Sangrur. 2.

Allegations are that petitioner in criminal conspiracy with co-accused Lakhvir Singh cheated the informant-complainant and extorted an amount of ₹7,50,000/- & gold ornaments (8 tolas). 3.

Learned counsel contends that petitioner is innocent and he has not committed any offence. Further contends that main accused Lakhvir Singh extorted money and ornaments from victim on the pretext of uploading her unclothed photographs and video on social media.

CRM-M-18973 of 2025 [2] Also contends that from the contents of FIR, no offence is made out against the petitioner. Lastly contends that petitioner is ready to join investigation; but he be protected.

4.

Per contra, learned State counsel while opposing the prayer submitted that petitioner has actively participated in the commission of crime and allegations against him are serious in nature. Also submitted that another FIR No.56/2024, under Sections 341, 506, 148, 323 read with Section 149 of IPC, Police Station, Faridkot is also pending against the petitioner; thus, he is not entitled for concession of pre-arrest bail. 5.

Heard learned counsel for both sides and perused the paperbook. 6.

Above FIR was registered on the basis of statement made by victim with the allegations that she got acquainted with one Ronic Roy @ Lakhvir Singh co-accused on social media platform 'Instagram'. Ronic Roy told her that he was living abroad and would arrange her to settle in United States of America. Further alleged that on asking of Ronic Roy @ Lakhvir Singh, she sent obscene video and photographs through video call. Ronic Roy later on disclosed his identity to be Lakhvir Singh and started blackmailing her. On asking of co-accused Lakhvir Singh, victim handed over gold ornaments weighing 8 tolas to the present petitioner. 7.

In view of the allegations levelled against the petitioner, his custodial interrogation would be necessary to reveal the truth. 8.

Consequently, there is no option, except to dismiss the petition.

9.

Ordered accordingly.

CRM-M-18973 of 2025 [3] 10.

Needless to say that above observations be not construed as an expression of opinion on merits of allegations, in any manner. Pending application(s), if any, shall also stands disposed off. (Mahabir Singh Sindhu) Judge 19.05.2025 SN Whether Speaking/ Reasoned:

Yes/ No Whether Reportable:

Yes/ No