Najma Khatun v. State Of West Bengal

12/11/2025 D/L - 46 Court No.28 S. Kundu Allowed C.R.M.(A) 3143 of 2025 In Re: An application for anticipatory bail under Section 482 of the BNSS, 2023. In connection with Shibpur P.S. Case no. 41 of 2025 dated 22.1.2025 under Sections 61(2) of the BNS and Sections 3/4/5/6 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.

In the matter of: Najma Khatun

...Petitioner.

Mr. Shunak Mondal Mr. Sreyash Kr. Singh ...for the petitioner.

Mr. Arindam Sen Mr. Soumya Basu ...for the State.

1. Leave is granted to the petitioner to correct the cause title.

2. Copy of report filed on behalf of the State is taken on record.

3. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submits that the present petitioner is in no way connected with the alleged offence. She had appointed a power of attorney to look after and to run the guest house/hotel. The power of attorney holder is also an accused who had been arrested and thereafter, granted bail. There is no allegation of any minor being involved.

4. Learned counsel appearing for the State opposes the prayer for anticipatory bail. However, he submits that an enquiry has been done regarding the authenticity of the

power of attorney allegedly given by the present petitioner. The concerned Notary confirmed that the power of attorney was, in fact, executed in front of him and the learned advocate identified the parties.

5. Considering the above, the other materials available in the case diary, the fact that the principal accused was arrested and was thereafter, granted bail and considering the alleged role ascribed to the present petitioner, I do not think that custodial interrogation of the petitioner is required in this case and I am inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

6. In the event of arrest, the petitioner shall be released on bail upon furnishing a bond of Rs.10,000/- each with two sureties of like amount each, one of whom must be local, to the satisfaction of the Arresting Officer and also be subject to further conditions that the petitioner shall cooperate with the investigation and shall not threaten or intimidate the witnesses.

7. Accordingly, the application for anticipatory bail is allowed.

8. Urgent photostat certified copy of this order, if applied for, be given to the parties upon compliance with requisite formalities.

(Jay Sengupta, J.)