Nagesh Ramchandra Bajantri v. The State Of Maharashtra And Another

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CIRCUIT BENCH AT KOLHAPUR CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO. 149 OF 2026 Nagesh Ramchandra Bajantri

VERSUS

The State of Maharashtra And Another ...

Mr. Amit Icham, Advocate for Applicant.

Mr. Nitin B. Patil, APP for the respondent-State ...

CORAM : SACHIN S. DESHMUKH, J.

DATE : 6th APRIL, 2026.

P. C. :

1.

The applicant seeks regular bail in connection with C.R. No. 152 of 2020 dated 15.05.2020 registered with Koregaon Police Station, District Satara for the offences punishable under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code. 2.

Learned Counsel for the applicant submits that the case is premised on circumstantial evidence. Investigation is completed and the charge-sheet is filed. It is further submitted that the co-accused, namely, Kiran has been admitted to bail by this Court in Criminal Bail Application No. 1726/2023. In that view of the matter, the applicant deserves to be admitted to bail even on the ground of parity. Hence, prayed to allow the application. Digitally signed by SAJAKALI LIYAKAT JAMADAR Date:

2026.04.06 20:24:14 +0530 SAJAKALI LIYAKAT JAMADAR 1 of

3.

Per contra, learned APP opposed the application submitting that the offence is serious in nature. The complicity of applicant is apparent from the evidence collected by the Investigating Officer. An apprehension is also expressed that if the applicant is enlarged on bail, there is every possibility of tampering prosecution witnesses. Hence, prayed to reject the application. 4.

Upon considering submissions of both sides and perusal of the material on record, including charge-sheet, prima facie indicate that the alleged incident appears to have occurred at the spur of moment. Given that the applicant is in custody since his arrest on 15.05.2020 i.e. for more than 5 years and 11 months, coupled with the fact that the co-accused Kiran Patil, has already been admitted to bail by this Court vide order in Bail Application No.1726 of 2023 dated 04.01.2024, I am of the opinion that further detention of the applicant would be unjustified.

5.

When confronted with the progress in trial, learned APP has fairly conceded that there is still no progress in trial. In that view of the matter, the application warrants consideration. I am, therefore, persuaded to exercise the discretion in favour of the applicant. 6.

Hence, the order :- 2 of

O R D E R

I.

The bail application is allowed.

II.

Applicant - Nagesh Ramchandra Bajantri, be released on bail, on furnishing P.R. bond in the sum of Rs.50,000/- (Rs.Fifty Thousand) with one or two sureties, in the like amount, in connection with C.R. No. 152 of 2020 dated 15.05.2020 registered with Koregaon Police Station, District Satara for the offences punishable under Section 302 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, on the following conditions :- (a) The Applicant shall not enter the area covered under the jurisdiction of Koregaon Police Station, Satara District on being released on bail, except when summoned by the Investigating Officer.

(b) On being released on bail, the Applicant shall furnish his contact number and residential address to the Investigating Officer and shall keep him updated, in case there is any change.

(c) The Applicant shall report to Shahupuri Police Station, Kolhapour once every week, on every Sunday between 11.00 a.m.. to 1.00 p.m. till the trial concludes. The Police Inspector of Shahupuri Police Station, Kolhapur to communicate details thereof to the Investigating Officer.

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(d) The Applicant shall not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case so as to dissuade him from disclosing the facts to Court or any Police Officer. The Applicant shall not tamper with evidence. (e) The Applicant shall attend the trial regularly. The Applicant shall co-operate with the trial Court and shall not seek unnecessary adjournments.

III.

Needless to state that the observations rendered herein are to the extent of this application and the trial Court shall not be influenced by the same.

[SACHIN S. DESHMUKH, J.] 4 of