Manojkumar Chhajer v. State Of Maharashtra

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION NO.508 OF 2025 Manojkumar Chhajer ...Applicant

Versus

State of Maharashtra

...Respondent

____________________________________ Mr. Shadab Khopekar, Advocate for the Applicant. Mr. Anand S. Shalgaonkar, APP for the State.

____________________________________

CORAM

: RAJESH S. PATIL, J.

DATED : 12 MARCH 2025 P.C.:

1.

This applicant prayed for anticipatory bail in connection with crime No.132/2024 registered in APMC Police Station for the offence punishable under section 420, 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The applicant has apprehension of his arrest and therefore the filed this application.

2.

Mr. Khopekar, the learned Advocate for the applicant, submits that the applicant is accused No. 6. He states that four of the co-accused have already been granted regular bail and that the charge sheet was filed on 12 September 2024. He further submits that a notice under Section 41(a) was issued to the applicant on 31 August 2024. 3.

The learned Advocate contends that the applicant is employed in

Dubai working for gain. However, he occasionally visits India and is an Indian citizen with a residence in Goa. He submits that the applicant is willing to comply with the notice under Section 41(a) and is ready to appear before the Investigating Officer as and when directed. 4.

In the present case, it is alleged that one Mr. Amit Lala opened a current account in the State Bank of India under the name of DLFC Solution and availed of the "SB Collect and International Facility." As a result of availing this facility, the bank disbursed a sum of Rs.1,52,13,051.56. However, the said amount was not refunded to the bank. Consequently, according to the bank, Amit Lala, along with other accused persons, defrauded the bank, leading to the registration of an FIR.

5.

The learned Advocate further submits that the present applicant has no involvement in the transactions between Amit Lala and the bank and played no role in the SB Collect and International Facility. Although the applicant received a sum of Rs.15,00,000/- from DLFC Solution on 28 February 2023, this transaction was strictly between the applicant and DLFC Solution of cryptocurrency.

6.

The learned Advocate for the Applicant further submits that on the last occasion the extra copy of the present proceedings was handed over to the APP's office in order to serve the same on the informant.

7.

In the meanwhile, no coercive steps will be taken against the applicant by the police till the next date of the hearing and also applicant is directed to attend the office of the Investigating Officer on 19 March 2025 and 20 March 2025 between 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 8.

Stand over to 26 March 2025 under the caption "For Urgent Circulation".

(RAJESH S. PATIL, J.)