Ranjeet Keshavrao Rathod v. The State Of Maharashtra And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

BENCH AT AURANGABAD ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION NO. 70 OF 2026 Ranjeet Keshavrao Rathod

VERSUS

The State Of Maharashtra And Others ...

• Mr. D. J. Choudhary, Advocate for Applicant • Mr. P. D. Patil, APP for Respondent Nos. 1 and 2 - State ...

CORAM : MEHROZ K. PATHAN, J.

DATED : 16.01.2026 PER COURT :

1.

Heard learned counsel for the applicant and the learned APP for the respondent Nos. 1 and 2 - State.

2.

Issue notice to the respondents, returnable on 10.02.2026. The learned APP waives notice on behalf of the respondent Nos. 1 and 2 - State.

3.

The applicant has approached this Court apprehending arrest in connection with FIR No. 0471 of 2025, dated 22.07.2025, registered with Udgir (Rural) Police Station, District Latur, for the offences punishable under Sections 115(2), 118(1), 123, 3(5), 351(2), 351(3), 64(1), 64(2), 64(2)(f) and 8 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and under Sections 4, 6 and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

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4.

Learned counsel for the applicant submits that this Court has already protected accused Keshav Laxman Rathod vide order dated 20.09.2025, passed in Anticipatory Bail Application No. 1614 of 2025, as well as accused Vishwajit Keshavrao Rathod vide order dated 25.11.2025, passed in Anticipatory Bail Application No. 2063 of 2025. It is submitted that the present applicant is alleged to have played an identical role and, therefore, seeks parity. 5.

Taking into consideration the aforesaid submissions and the two orders passed earlier by this Court, I am inclined to protect the present applicant till the investigation papers are perused.

O R D E R

i.

In the event of arrest of the applicant - Ranjeet Keshavrao Rathod, he shall be released on bail on furnishing P.R. bond of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) with one or two solvent sureties in the like amount, in connection with FIR bearing Crime No. 0471 of 2025, registered with Udgir (Rural) Police Station, District Latur, for the offences punishable under Sections 115(2), 118(1), 123, 3(5), 351(2), 351(3), 64(1), 64(2), 64(2)(f) and 8 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and under Sections 4, 6 and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, on the following conditions :- 2/3

A) The Applicant is directed to attend the concerned police station and report to the Investigating Officer on 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th January between 12:00 noon and 02:00 p.m.

B) The Applicant shall also cooperate with the investigation.

C) The Applicant shall not pressurize the prosecution witnesses and shall not tamper with the prosecution evidence, in any manner.

6.

Needless to say, violation of any of the aforesaid conditions may entitle the prosecution to seek vacation of the interim relief granted herein above.

7.

The Investigating Officer shall make available the investigation papers on the next date of hearing.

8.

Stand over to 10.02.2026.

( MEHROZ K. PATHAN, J. ) 3/3