Sk Najibullah v. The State Of West Bengal

IN THE HIGH COURT AT CALCUTTA

CIRCUIT BENCH AT JALPAIGURI 21.01.2025. C.R.M. (A) 18 of 2025 25/tkm In Re : An application for anticipatory bail under section 482 of the BNS 2023 in connection with Siliguri P.S case no. 362 of 2023 dated 18.5.2023 under sections 406/120B IPC read with sections 3/4 of the West Bengal Gambling and Prize Competition Act And In Re : Sk. Najibullah ...petitioner Mr. Debanjan Das Mr. D Sarkar ...for the Petitioner Mr. Abhijit Sarkar Mr. Sourav Ganguly Mr. Kallol Nag ...for the State 1.

Petitioner contends he had no role to play in the gambling activities pertaining to 2023 IPL matches. Ingredients of offences under sections 3 and 4 of the West Bengal Gambling and Prize Competition Act are not disclosed against the petitioner. He prays for anticipatory bail.

2.

Learned lawyer for the State submits petitioner is the kingpin of the gambling syndicate. Monies collected in the course of gambling during 2023 IPL cricket matches had been credited to his account. He had absconded for a protracted time.

3.

We have considered the materials on record.

Prosecution case involves illegal gambling in connection with 2023 IPL cricket matches. Materials collected during investigation clearly show monies collected during gambling

were routed to bank account of the petitioner. These incriminating materials implicate the petitioner in the gambling activities.

He was not available during investigation and warrant of arrest has been issued. He has not been arrested as yet. In view of the nature of crime involving organized criminal activity namely gambling and his abscondence, we are of the opinion this is not a fit case to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner. 4.

Accordingly, prayer for anticipatory bail is rejected. (Gaurang Kanth, J.) (Joymalya Bagchi, J.)