Ranjana Kailash Dhotre v. State Of Maharashtra

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION Anticipatory Bail Application No. 2660 of 2024 Ranjana Kailash Dhotre Age 38 years, Occ. Housewife, R/at. 3898, National School Road, Near Hanuman Mandir, Annabhau Sathe Nagar, Narpoli, Bhiwandi, District. Thane.

..Applicant Vs.

The State of Maharashtra (C.R. No.1434/2024 of Narpoli Police Station dated 7/8/2024) ..Respondent ---- Mr Rajendra S Bidkar, for the Applicant.

Mr Amit A Palkar, APP for the Respondent - State. ---- Coram : R. N. Laddha, J.

Date : 16 October 2024 P.C.

.

Heard Mr Rajendra S Bidkar, the learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the applicant and Mr Amit Palkar, the learned Additional Public Prosecutor representing the respondent/State.

Digitally signed by MAMTA AMAR KALE Date:

2024.10.17 10:25:24 +0530 MAMTA AMAR KALE 2.

This is an application for pre-arrest bail filed by the applicant, apprehending arrest in CR No.1434 of 2024, registered with Narpoli Police Station, Thane, for the offences punishable under Sections 20(b), 20(b)(ii) & 8(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and

Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 ('the Act' for short). 3.

The First Information Report (FIR) reveals that on 7 August 2024, an Officer of the respondent arrested the coaccused Rakesh Gaikwad, after finding him in possession of 189 gms of contraband article, Ganja. The allegations against the applicant stem from co-accused's statement; where he disclosed that the applicant was the person from whom he purchased the alleged contraband material.

4.

Mr Rajendra Bidkar, learned Counsel for the applicant submits that quantity of 189 gms of Ganja falls into small range. The applicant has no criminal antecedents. There is no material on record to connect him to the matter except the statement made by the co-accused which is not admissible. The applicant is ready to cooperate with the investigation. 5.

On the other hand, Mr Amit Palkar, the learned Additional Public Prosecutor, representing the State, contends that the offence is of a serious nature. The co-accused was apprehended with 189 gms Ganja.

6.

Upon perusing the records, it transpires that the present case against the applicant relies solely on the co-accused's statement. However, there is no other material connecting the applicant to the alleged crime. The applicant has no criminal antecedents. Given the circumstances, this Court is inclined to allow the application on the following terms.

(i) In the event, the applicant is arrested in connection with CR No.1434 of 2024, registered at Narpoli Police Station, Thane, he shall be released on bail on furnishing a PR Bond of Rs.25,000/- with one or more sureties in the like amount.

(ii) The applicant shall report to the police station for a period of three days i.e. 21, 22 and 23 October 2024, between 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and thereafter, as and when required by the investigating agency.

(iii) The applicant himself or through any other person shall not indulge in any activity that would tamper with the evidence or influence the witnesses.

(iv) The applicant shall keep the investigating officer informed of his current address and contact number and/or change of residence or mobile details, if any, from time to time.

7.

The application stands disposed of accordingly. R. N. Laddha, J.