Nitin Ramchandra Raipure v. The State Of Maharashtra
Digitally signed by CHITRA SANJAY SONAWANE Date:
2025.07.18 15:25:32 +0530 CHITRA SANJAY SONAWANE Chitra Sonawane 903-aba-1962-25.doc
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION Anticipatory Bail Application No.1962 of 2025 Nitin Ramchandra Raipure ... Applicant.
Vs.
The State of Maharashtra ... Respondent. --- Mr Vresh Purwant a/w Suraj Gadkari for the applicant. Mr SV Walve, APP for the respondent / State.
Complainant present in person.
PSI US Kalbhor, Loni Kalbhor police station, Pune. --- Coram : R.N.Laddha, J.
Date : 18 July 2025.
P.C. :
The learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and no prima facie case is made out against him as per the FIR. He states that petrol pumps are required to maintain daily sales records, verified regularly by company officers, and the entire process is automated, leaving no room for discrepancies. The complainant and his maternal uncle are unfamiliar with the testing procedures of Hindustan Petroleum.
2.
The learned Counsel further submits that the applicant Page No. 1 of 3
Chitra Sonawane 903-aba-1962-25.doc voluntarily conducted a private audit for the years 20182024, which details transactions and income summaries. A total of Rs.58,93,230/- was transferred to his account from petrol pump customers between Financial Year 2020-2021 till Financial Year 2023-2024, which has already been accounted for.
3.
The learned Counsel contends that while 20 employees work at the pump, the complainant falsely reported only 7-8 to evade ESI and PF liabilities, with remaining salaries and other expenses paid in cash and misrepresented. Additionally, household expenses of the complainant's family were paid via Phonepe/ Google Pay. The complainant defrauded the government by unreporting profits and evading taxes.
4.
The learned Counsel further submits that the applicant is ready and willing to cooperate with the investigation and provide all necessary documents and his bank details as required by the Investigating Officer.
5.
The learned Counsel also seeks leave to implead the first informant as a party respondent to this application. Page No. 2 of 3
Chitra Sonawane 903-aba-1962-25.doc Leave granted as prayed. Necessary amendment shall be carried out with one week from today. After the amendment is carried out issue notice to the newly added respondent. The first informant is present in person and seeks time to engage an advocate.
6.
By consent stand over to 19 August 2025. In the meantime, the applicant shall attend the concerned police station on 22, 23 and 24 July 2025, between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, provide his bank details and other relevant documents required by the Investigating Officer, and cooperate with the investigation. The applicant shall also attend the concerned police station as and when required by the Investigating Officer. There shall not be any coercive action against the applicant in the present crime till the next date.
[R. N. Laddha, J.] Page No. 3 of 3