Sagar Khandu Kamble v. The State Of Maharashtra And ORS.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CIRCUIT BENCH AT KOLHAPUR CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION NO. 188 OF 2026 Sagar Khandu Kamble ... Applicant

Versus

The State of Maharashtra & Ors.

... Respondents *** Mr. Somnath Thengal for the Applicant.

Mr. S. H. Yadav, A. P. P. for the Respondent-State. Mr. Himanshu Pujari for Respondent No. 3.

Mr. Jayant Devising Rajput, PSI Shahupuri Police Station. ***

CORAM

: M.W. CHANDWANI, J.

DATE : 22nd April, 2026.

P. C. :

1.

The Applicant apprehends arrest in connection with Crime No. 146 of 2026, registered with Shahupuri Police Station, District Kolhapur, for the offences punishable under Sections 74, 79, 352, and 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

2.

Heard the learned counsels for the parties. I have perused the case diary.

3.

It appears that the FIR was lodged by the victim, who is employed as a receptionist at Pearl Hotel, Kolhapur. She has stated that on 27.02.2026, at about 8:55 p.m., while she was on duty, the Applicant came to the hotel along with an associate for the purpose of consuming liquor.

An altercation took place between the Applicant and the complainant regarding charging of his mobile phone. It is alleged that the Applicant abused the complainant in filthy language and assaulted her by means of fist blows. It is further alleged that during the incident, the Applicant also sexually harassed the victim. Upon the arrival of the hotel staff, the Applicant fled from the spot. On the basis of the said complaint, the aforesaid offence came to be registered against the Applicant.

4.

The offences alleged are punishable with imprisonment not exceeding five years. Nothing is required to be seized from the Applicant. 5.

It further appears from the case diary that the Applicant allegedly threatened the victim with dire consequences after lodging of the complaint. However, learned counsel appearing on behalf of Respondent No. 2 has filed an affidavit stating that no such threats were extended by the Applicant. Prima facie, the said affidavit appears to have been given under influence or pressure.

6.

Be that as it may, considering the nature of allegations and the fact that nothing remains to be seized from the Applicant, custodial interrogation of the Applicant may not be necessary.

7.

Insofar as the apprehension of the prosecution regarding the possibility of the Applicant threatening the witnesses is concerned, the same can be addressed by imposing appropriate conditions.

8.

In view of the above, a case is made out for grant of anticipatory bail. Hence, the following order:

i) Anticipatory Bail Application is allowed.

ii) In the event of arrest of Applicant - Sagar Khandu Kamble in connection with Crime No. 146 of 2026 registered with Shahupuri Police Station, District Kolhapur, for offences punishable under Sections 74, 79, 352, and 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, he shall be released on bail upon furnishing a PR bond of 25,000/- with one solvent surety ₹ in the like amount.

iii) The Applicant shall attend the concerned Police Station every Thursday and Monday between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon for a period of three weeks and shall cooperate in the investigation.

iv) The Applicant shall not tamper with the prosecution evidence and shall not pressurize or influence the prosecution witnesses in any manner.

9.

With these directions, the Application stands disposed of. [ M.W. CHANDWANI, J. ] by TALLE SHUBHAM ASHOKRAO Date:

2026.04.22 18:11:08 +0530 TALLE SHUBHAM ASHOKRAO