Mohanraj Jagannathan Reddy v. State Of Maharashtra Through Kopri Police Station
Digitally signed by CHITRA SANJAY SONAWANE Date:
2026.04.06 17:35:03 +0530 CHITRA SANJAY SONAWANE Chitra Sonawane 7-ABANo-3368-2025.doc
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION Criminal Anticipatory Bail Application No.3368 of 2025 Mohanraj Jagnnathan Reddy Aged: 60 yrs, Residing at Flat No.1202, 12th floor, Raddison B1, Cosmos Classique, Patlipada, Thane(W)-400 607 ... Applicant.
Vs.
1. The State of Maharashtra through Kopri Police Station.
... Respondents.
--- Mr Pranav Badheka, Senior Advocate a/w Ashutosh Thipsay, Ms Kiran Yadav i/by Pritesh Burad Associates for the applicant.
Ms GP Mulekar, APP for the respondent/ State. PSI AA Jagtap, Chitalsar police station.
--- Coram : R.N.Laddha, J.
Date : 6 April 2026.
P.C. :
The applicant, who is apprehending arrest in CR No.684 of 2025 registered with Kopri Police Station, Thane, for an offence punishable under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, has filed the present application seeking pre-arrest bail.
2.
It is the case of the prosecution that on 9 September Page No. 1 of 5
Chitra Sonawane 7-ABANo-3368-2025.doc 2025 at approximately 16:45 hours, the complainant, accompanied by officials of MSEDCL, conducted an inspection at premises bearing No. 59/A/17, near Bhalchandra Tagadi, Tikujiniwadi Road, Manpada, Thane, in connection with suspected electricity theft. During the inspection, the total connected load was found to be 41.04 kW. Examination of the meter revealed the presence of a remote circuit installed within the CT circuit, and the recorded consumption stood at 447,438 kWh. The meter, a SHENZEN KAIFA unit bearing Serial No.60114582 with a capacity of 10-40 Amps, was found with tampered seals numbered 60114582 and 102097 BUZ.
3.
The said meter was seized and sealed with two white paper seals bearing the signatures of the Sub-Executive Engineer, Divisional Flying Squad, Wagle Estate, and the consumer. The electricity supply to the premises was disconnected, and an Inspection Report was prepared on site. It is alleged that the user of the premises dishonestly abstracted 44,029 units of electricity over the preceding 12 months, thereby causing a wrongful loss of Rs.17,34,690/- to MSEDCL.
4.
Mr Pranav Badheka, the learned Senior Counsel Page No. 2 of 5
Chitra Sonawane 7-ABANo-3368-2025.doc appearing on behalf of the applicant, submits that the applicant has been falsely implicated in the present crime. The applicant has been a licensee of the subject premises since 2021. The electricity meter in question was under lock and control of the licensor (accused No.1) and was accessed by the licensor's manager. It is further submitted that the applicant has deposited an amount of Rs.4,25,000/- with MSEDCL and, upon receipt of a Section 35(3) notice, has duly attended the concerned police station, cooperating fully with the investigation. The learned Senior Counsel further submits that since the meter has already been seized and the premises secured by MSEDCL, nothing further remains to be recovered or discovered from the applicant, rendering his custody unnecessary. The applicant is ready and willing to abide by any conditions this Court imposes.
5.
Ms GP Mulekar, the learned Additional Public Prosecutor representing the respondent/ State, on instructions, submits that the applicant has attended the concerned police station and cooperated with the investigation. The learned APP further informs this Court that the investigation is complete and that the charge sheet will be filed shortly. 6.
Upon a perusal of the records, it appears that the meter Page No. 3 of 5
Chitra Sonawane 7-ABANo-3368-2025.doc in question has already been seized, an inspection report prepared, and the applicant has deposited a sum of Rs.4,25,000/- with MSEDCL. The learned APP fairly acknowledges that the applicant attended the concerned police station and the investigation now stands concluded, with nothing further to be recovered or discovered. The prosecution proposes to file the charge sheet shortly. In view of these circumstances, this Court is inclined to grant prearrest bail to the applicant, subject to the following conditions:
(i) In the event of arrest of the applicant in connection with CR No.684 of 2025 registered with Kopri Police Station, Thane, the applicant shall be released on bail upon executing a PR Bond in the sum of Rs.25,000/- and furnishing one or two sureties in the like amount.
(ii) The applicant shall attend the concerned Police Station as and when required until the filing of the charge sheet.
(iii) The applicant shall not, himself or Page No. 4 of 5
Chitra Sonawane 7-ABANo-3368-2025.doc through any other person, indulge in any activity that would tamper with the evidence or influence the witnesses.
7.
The application stands disposed of accordingly. [R. N. Laddha, J.] Page No. 5 of 5