Vaibhav @ Sonya Arun Khondge v. The State Of Maharashtra

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION BAIL APPLICATION NO. 633 OF 2026 Vaibhav @ Sonya Arun Khondge ... Applicant

VERSUS

The State Of Maharashtra ... Respondent _________________________________________________________________ SONALI SATISH KILAJE by SONALI SATISH KILAJE Date:

2026.04.22 10:58:54 +0700 Mr. Kuldeep Nikam, Advocate for Applicant.

Mr. S.R.Agarkar, APP for Respondent-State.

PSI - Pinjari S.N., South Mahalunge Police Station, Pimpri Chinchwad, present.

_________________________________________________________________

CORAM

: SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.

DATE : 20th APRIL, 2026.

P.C. :

1.

By this application, the Applicant is seeking regular bail in Crime No. 578 of 2021 registered with Chakan Police Station, Pune, for the offences punishable under Sections 302, 120-B, 201, 216, 143, 147, 148, 149 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 (for short "IPC") and Section 4 r/w Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act and Section 37 r/w. Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act a/w. Sections 3(1)(i)(ii), 3(4) of the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act, 1999 (for short "MCOC Act"). 2.

It is prosecution's case that on 14.05.2021, applicant and coaccused murdered the friend of first informant on the ground of dispute

arising out of supply of water tankers.

3.

It is contention of learned counsel for the applicant that the coaccused Gaurav Gajanan Mule having similar allegations like applicant has been released on bail by this Court. The applicant is behind bars for more than four years and eleven months. Hence, applicant is entitled for bail on the ground of long incarceration and parity and requested to allow the application.

4.

It is contention of learned APP that the applicant's previous bail application was rejected by this Court. Thereafter, he approached the Hon'ble Apex Court. There are specific allegations against the applicant. The applicant conspired to murder the deceased. If the applicant is released on bail, he may abscond or threaten prosecution witnesses. Hence, requested to reject the application.

5.

I have heard both the learned counsel. Perused chargesheet and documents produced on record. The co-accused Mr. Gaurav Mule, against whom similar allegations are levelled, has been released on bail. Hence, the applicant is entitled for bail on principle of parity. Considering these facts, I pass following order.

ORDER

i.

The applicant be enlarged on bail in Crime No. 578 of 2021 registered with Chakan Police Station, Pune, on

executing P.R.Bond of Rs. 30,000/- on furnishing one or two sureties in the like amount.

ii.

The applicant shall attend the concerned police station as and when required.

iii.

The applicant shall not tamper with the evidence or attempt to influence or contact the complainant, witnesses or any person concerned with the case. 6.

The application is allowed in the aforesaid terms and is accordingly disposed of. All pending applications, if any, are disposed of. 7.

It is made clear that the above observations are made only for the purpose of granting bail and the Trial Court shall decide the case on its own merits in accordance with law and uninfluenced by the observations made in this order.

8.

All concerned to act on the authenticated copy of this order. (SHIVKUMAR DIGE, J.)