Anagha Surendra Khandagale v. The State Of Maharashtra

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION NO. 3159 OF 2025 Najinin Majid Shaikh @ Geeta ...Applicant V/s.

The State of Maharashtra

...Respondent

INTERIM APPLICATION NO. 4703 OF 2025 Mr. Prabhanjay R. Dave, Advocate for the Applicant. Mr. B. V. Holambe Patil, APP for the Respondent/State. Adv. Rachita Padwal, Advocate for Intervener.

CORAM

:

N.R. BORKAR, J.

DATE :

23.01.2026.

P.C. :

1.

This is an application for Anticipatory Bail. 2.

The applicant is apprehending his arrest in Crime No. 522 of 2025registered at D. B. Marg Police Station, for the offences punishable under Sections 143(3), 144(2), 118(1), 115(2), 127(4), 110 & 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7(1)(b) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. 3.

On the basis of secrete information, raid was conducted and the present applicant and other co-accused were found to be running a brothel.

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4.

I have heard the learned counsel for the applicant and the learned APP for the respondent-State.

5.

The learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant has nothing to do with the alleged crime except that he is the owner of the premises in question, wherein the co-accused were allegedly running a brothel. It is submitted that there are no other criminal antecedents against the present applicant and there is no need of custodial interrogation. The learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant, without prejudice to his rights and contentions, is willing to deposit an amount of Rs.1,00,000/- with Police Welfare Fund.

6.

On the other hand, the learned APP for the respondentState submits that during the interrogation the co-accused has revealed the involvement of the present applicant. It is submitted that 14 victims were rescued. It is submitted that considering the nature of crime, the applicant may not be released on anticipatory bail.

7.

I have perused the papers of investigation. The allegations of inducement are against the co-accused. There are 2/4

no other criminal antecedents against the present applicant. In that view of the matter, I am inclined to release the applicant on anticipatory bail. In the result, the following order is passed :

O R D E R

a) The Application is allowed.

b) In the event of arrest of the applicant in connection with Crime No. 522 of 2025registered at D. B. Marg Police Station, for the offences punishable under Sections 143(3), 144(2), 118(1), 115(2), 127(4), 110 & 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7(1)(b) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, the applicant be released on bail on furnishing P.R. Bond in the sum of Rs. 25,000/- with one or two sureties in the like amount.

c) The applicant shall attend the concerned police station as and when called by the investigating officer and shall co-operate in the investigation.

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d) The applicant shall deposit an amount of Rs.1,00,000/- in the following bank account of Maharashtra Police Welfare Fund within a period of six weeks :

Bank Name. Axis Bank Acc. No. 914010029005759, IFSC Acc No. Code. UTIB0000060.

8.

Interim Application stands disposed of.

[N.R.BORKAR, J.] 4/4