Rahul Bhikaji Doke v. The State Of Maharashtra And ANR.

1 16-ABA 532-26.doc

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION NO.532 OF 2026 Rahul Bhikaji Doke ... Applicant Vs.

The State of Maharashtra & Anr.

... Respondents ----- Mr. Mikdad Aziz Zummerwala for the Applicant. Mr. P. H. Gaikwad, APP for the Respondent-State. PSI Bhimrao D., Khar PS is present.

----- CORAM :

N.R. BORKAR, J.

DATE :

04TH MARCH 2026 P.C. :

1.

This is an Application for anticipatory bail. 2.

The Applicant is apprehending his arrest in Crime No.1106 of 2025 registered with Khar Police Station for the offences punishable under Sections 66(C), 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

3.

It is the case of the prosecution that the present Applicant created a fake Instagram ID in the name of the first informant, who is a reputed film director. It is alleged that through the said fake Instagram ID, the Applicant contacted various victims and promised to give them work in a Netflix web series. It is alleged that upon meeting the victims, the Applicant used to make them pay the exorbitant restaurant bills as well as touch them inappropriately against their will. It is further alleged that the Mugdha

2 16-ABA 532-26.doc Applicant had urged the victims to send their seminude photographs to him under the pretext of auditions. Accordingly, the present crime came to be registered.

4.

I have heard Learned Counsel for the Applicant and Learned APP for the Respondent-State.

5.

Learned Counsel for the Applicant submits that the Applicant has nothing to do with the alleged crime. It is submitted that there is no need of custodial interrogation and the Applicant is ready and willing to cooperate in the investigation. 6.

On the other hand, Learned APP for the Respondent-State submits that there are statements of the victims to whom the present Applicant has contacted. It is submitted that considering the nature of crime, the Applicant may not be released on anticipatory bail. 7.

I have perused the papers of investigation. It appears that the present Applicant has created a fake Instagram ID. The victims have made serious allegations against the Applicant. Considering the overall facts and circumstances, I am not inclined to release the Applicant on anticipatory bail. Hence, the Anticipatory Bail Application is rejected. (N.R. BORKAR, J.) Mugdha