Pruthviraj Bhagwansingh Walmiki @ Ballu v. State Of Maharashtra

5_BA_3757_2025.DOC Prasad

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION 5 CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO. 3757 OF 2025 Pruthviraj Bhagwansingh Walmiki @ Ballu ...Applicant

Versus

State Of Maharashtra

...Respondent

Mr. B.J. Shaikh, for the Applicant.

Mr. A.S. Gawai, APP for the Respondent-State. WPSI - Prerna Bankar, MIDC Police Station, present.

CORAM:

R. M. JOSHI, J.

DATED:

08th MAY, 2026.

PC:- 1.

The Applicant seeks his release on bail in connection with CR No.967 of 2021 dated 19th December, 2021 registered with MIDC Police Station, for offence punishable Sections 376 and 506(2) of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

2.

The FIR lodged by the victim indicates that on knife point she was forced to submit herself to sexual intercourse. On the basis of said information, the offence came to be registered. The Applicant came to be arrested on 24th December, 2021. On conclusion of investigation the charge-sheet came to be filed. 3.

Learned counsel for the Applicant submits that this Court passed an order dated 1st October, 2025 indicating that the victim would be examined within a period of four months. It is his 08th May, 2026.

5_BA_3757_2025.DOC submission that since then only victim's evidence is recorded till date. According to him, the Applicant is in custody since four years and five months and as such, he is entitled for bail on the ground of long incarceration.

4.

Learned APP opposes the application by submitting that apart from the manner in which the crime in question has been committed, there are six antecedents against the Applicant which are all of bodily offences and one conviction against him. It is not in the fitness of the trial to enlarge him on bail. On instructions, he makes a statement that the trial would be concluded within a period of six months from today. At this stage, learned counsel for the Applicant does not seek order on merits. Instead he seeks expeditious disposal of the trial within a period of six months.

5.

Considering the number of witnesses to be examined the trial is directed to be concluded within a period of six months from today. In case the trial is not concluded within a period of six months, it is open for the Applicant to revive his application for bail.

6.

Bail Application stands dismissed.

(R. M. JOSHI, J.) { 08th May, 2026.