Ranjit Tulshiram Bhorkade v. The State Of Maharashtra And ANR

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CRIMINAL BAIL APPLICATION NO. 207 OF 2026 Ranjit Tulshiram Bhorkade ...Applicant

Versus

The State of Maharashtra and anr.

...Respondents

_________________________________________________________________ Mr. Tejas Mane, Advocate for Applicant.

Smt. R.D. Humane, APP for Respondent-State.

Ms. Akansha Avhad a/w. Akshay Ade, Advocate for Respondent No.2. _________________________________________________________________

CORAM

: SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.

DATE : 4th May, 2026.

P.C. :

1.

Heard learned counsel for the Applicant and learned APP for the State.

2.

By this application, the applicant is seeking regular bail in Crime No. 18/2024 registered with Hinjewadi Police Station, Pune for the offence punishable under Sections363. 376(n) of the Indian Penal code, 1860 (for short 'IPC') and Sections 3,4,5(1), 7 and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (for short POCSO Act). 3.

It is prosecution's case that on 06/11/2024, the applicant kidnapped minor daughter of first informant and sexually assaulted her. 4.

It is contention of learned counsel for the Applicant that at the time of incident, victim was 16 years' old whereas applicant was 20 years'

old. There was love affair between them. Victim herself had gone with the applicant. She stayed with him for couple of days, but she did not make any complaint. Applicant is behind bars for more than 18 months. There is no progress in the trial. It may take time to conclude the trial. He has no antecedents and requested to allow the application. 5.

It is contention of learned APP along with learned counsel for Respondent No.2 that applicant was aware about the age of the victim. He kidnapped her and sexually assaulted by threatening her. If he is released on bail, he may threaten victim and prosecution witnesses and requested to reject the application.

6.

I have heard both learned counsel. Perused charge sheet and documents produced on record. It appears that victim had gone with the applicant and stayed with him but did not complaint to anyone. At time of incident, victim was around 16 years' old whereas applicant was 20 years' old. Applicant has no antecedents. It may take time to conclude the trial. 7.

Considering these facts, I pass following order:

ORDER

(i) The Applicant- Ranjit Tulshiram Bhorkade be released on bail in Crime No. 18/2024 registered with Hinjewadi Police Station, Pune, on furnishing PR bond of Rs.25,000/- with one or two solvent sureties in the

like amount.

(ii) The Applicant shall attend the concerned police station, as and when called.

(iii) The Applicant shall not tamper with the evidence and/or influence the prosecution witnesses.

(iv) The Trial Court shall decide the case on its own merits and in accordance with law, uninfluenced by the observations made in this order. (v) Bail Application is allowed in the aforesaid terms. (SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.)