Vikas Devidas Kharat v. The State Of Maharashtra And Another

2026:BHC-AUG:6050

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

BENCH AT AURANGABAD ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION NO. 1503 OF 2025 Vikas Devidas Kharat

VERSUS

The State Of Maharashtra And Another ...

• Mr. A. N. Suryawanshi, Advocate for Applicant • Mr. R. K. Ingole, APP for Respondents - State ...

CORAM : MEHROZ K. PATHAN, J.

DATED : 09.02.2026 PER COURT :

1.

Heard learned counsel for the applicant and the learned APP for the respondents-State.

2.

The applicant has approached this Court apprehending arrest in connection with FIR No. 0373 of 2025 dated 18.07.2025 registered with Chikalthana Police Station, District Chh. Sambhajinagar, for the offences punishable under Sections 118(2), 115, 352 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

3.

Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant has been falsely implicated due to rivalry between two folk singers. It is submitted that the applicant is not responsible for the injuries sustained by the complainant or the witnesses. The injury certificates indicate that the complainant Akash Hajgude sustained only one 1/4

grievous injury in the nature of contusion over the nose caused by a blunt object, whereas the remaining injuries are simple in nature. Similarly, witness Ashish Nade sustained one grievous injury of contusion over the left wrist, which is not a vital part of the body. It is further submitted that the applicant has no criminal antecedents and is ready to cooperate with the investigation. The co-accused have already been granted protection by this Court vide order dated 17.11.2025 passed in Anticipatory Bail Application No. 1501 of 2025. 4.

The applicant has also raised a plea of alibi, contending that on the date of the incident he was not present in the town and was attending a cultural programme organized by the Indian Institute of Education at Pune. Photographs showing the presence of the applicant at J. P. Naik Centre along with CCTV footage have been placed on record. The letter issued by the Director of J. P. Naik Education Institution, Pune dated 06.08.2025 confirms the presence of the applicant at Pune at the relevant time. 5.

Learned APP vehemently opposes the application contending that the applicant is the main assailant. It is submitted that even while granting protection to the co-accused, this Court had noted the role attributed to the present applicant. The injury certificates indicate grievous injuries to the complainant and witness. It is further alleged that the applicant threatened the complainant and his family 2/4

members, pursuant to which an N.C. report has been registered. Hence, it is prayed that anticipatory bail be refused. 6.

I have perused the investigation papers produced by the learned APP. The investigation is substantially complete. The statement of the complainant Akash Hajgude has been recorded before the learned Magistrate on 12.09.2025. Though the complainant and one witness have suffered a grievous injury, the remaining injuries are simple in nature. The apprehension expressed by the learned APP regarding alleged threats can be adequately addressed by imposing stringent conditions. Considering that the investigation is almost complete, I am inclined to protect the applicant in exercise of powers under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

O R D E R

i.

The Anticipatory Bail Application is allowed. ii.

In the event of arrest of the applicant Vikas Devidas Kharat, he shall be released on bail on furnishing a P.R. bond of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) with one or two solvent sureties in the like amount, in connection with FIR No. 0373 of 2025 registered with Chikalthana Police Station, District Chh. Sambhajinagar, for the offences punishable under Sections 118(2), 115, 352 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, subject to the following conditions:- 3/4

A) The Applicant is directed to attend the concerned police station and report to the Investigating Officer on 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th between 12:00 noon and 02:00 p.m. and thereafter as and when called by the Investigating Officer.

B) The Applicant shall also cooperate with the investigation.

C) The applicant shall not enter the jurisdiction of Chikalthana Police Station till framing of charge, except with prior permission of the Commissioner of Police in case of exigency.

D) The Applicant shall not pressurize the prosecution witnesses and shall not tamper with the prosecution evidence, in any manner.

E) The applicant shall furnish copies of his Aadhaar Card and PAN Card to the Investigating Officer along with the addresses and mobile numbers of two nearest relatives.

7.

Needless to say, violation of any of the aforesaid conditions may entitle the prosecution to seek cancellation of the anticipatory bail granted hereinabove.

8.

The observations made herein are prima facie and shall not influence the Trial Court while deciding the case on its own merits. 9.

In view of the above, the Anticipatory Bail Application stands disposed of.

( MEHROZ K. PATHAN, J. ) 4/4