Jagannath Rajendra Sahu v. State Of Maharashtra

JOHNSON GONSALVES Date: 2025.07.03 19:56:42 +0530 SMITA JOHNSON GONSALVES sg 17.aba1488-25.docx

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION Anticipatory Bail Application No.1488 of 2025 Jagannath Rajendra Sahu ... Applicant versus The State of Maharashtra ... Respondent ---- Mr Himanshu Singh, a/w. Mr TA Singh, for the applicant. Mr Pankaj Deokar, APP, for the respondent/ State. API Mangesh Gole, Ghatkopar, Police Station, is present. ---- Coram: R.N. Laddha, J.

Date: 2 July 2025.

P.C.:

.

The learned Counsel for the applicant submits that the alleged offence is stated to have been committed during the period between July 2023 and September 2024. However, the FIR in respect thereof was belatedly lodged only on 5 April 2025, thereby raising serious doubts about the veracity of the prosecution's case. The learned Counsel further submits that the applicant was employed as a Commercial Cashier at Reliance Smart Bazar, located at Phoenix Market City, Ghatkopar (West), Mumbai, during the relevant period. In the course of his duties, the applicant was working under the supervision and instructions of co-accused Shailesh Singh. The __________________________________________________ 2 July 2025

sg 17.aba1488-25.docx applicant's responsibilities were confined to providing details of cash transactions and facilitating the delivery of goods, all of which were carried out under the close supervision of the Store Manager and the Godown In-charge. He further submits that the applicant had no independent decision making authority in the alleged transactions. The learned Counsel further submits that the applicant has been made a scapegoat and falsely implicated in the present crime. The applicant is ready to cooperate with the investigation by attending the concerned police station as and when required.

2.

The learned APP submits that audit report reveals that the applicant had, from time to time, utilised the funds for personal use and subsequently deposited the same back with the store. The learned APP, however, seeks time to take further instructions.

3.

By consent, stand over to 4 July 2025. In the meantime, there shall not be any coercive action against the applicant in the present crime till the next date. To be listed along with Anticipatory Bail No.1584 of 2025.

[R.N. Laddha, J.] __________________________________________________ 2 July 2025