Ashwini @ Rani Sujit Dhole And ANR v. State Of Maharashtra

Digitally signed by CHITRA SANJAY SONAWANE Date:

2026.04.08 19:29:18 +0530 CHITRA SANJAY SONAWANE

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION Anticipatory Bail Application No.920 of 2026

1. Ashwini @ Rani Sujit Dhole, Aged 32 years, Occ. Household,

2. Tarabai Kisan Dhole, Aged 58 years, Occ. Household, Both residing at Vakipada, Bhavale, Pise Road, Bhiwandi, Dist. Thane ... Applicants

Versus

The State of Maharashtra (At the instance of Padgha Police Station, Dist. Thane.) ... Respondent ---- Mr Meghashyam Kocharekar, for the applicants. Mr VA Kulkarni, APP, for the respondent/ State. API Dinkar Chakate, Padgha Police Station, Thane Rural, is present.

---- Coram: R.N. Laddha, J.

Date: 8 April 2026.

P.C.:

The applicants apprehend arrest in connection with CR No.176 of 2026, registered at Padgha Police Station, Thane, for offences punishable under Sections 310(2), 333, 351(2), 351(3) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and have

preferred the present application seeking pre-arrest bail. 2.

According to the prosecution, there existed prior enmity between the informant and the accused over land disputes. It is alleged that on 4 March 2026 at around 6:45 p.m., the informant heard glass breaking outside his house and found a broken bottle in the courtyard. Papya Dhole's elder son admitted to breaking it, leading to a verbal dispute. During the altercation, Rani and Tarabai (the applicants herein) arrived and threatened the informant, followed by Anuj Dhole, who also abused him. Soon thereafter, Papya Dhole and his associates formed an unlawful assembly and assaulted the informant and his parents. They destroyed the CCTV cameras, assaulted the informant's sister and snatched her phone, and forcibly entered the house, where they further damaged property and removed the DVR. The informant was restrained from intervening and issued threats. Papya Dhole also threatened bystanders to prevent them from interfering. The accused then fled, and it was later found that gold ornaments were snatched from the informant's mother, father, and sister.

3.

The learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the applicants, asserting the applicants' innocence, contends that the applicants have been falsely implicated in the crime. It is submitted that the FIR is vexatious only to settle personal

scores. The only allegation against the applicants is that they allegedly issued threats to the informant. Apart from this, no other accusations are made against the applicants. There is nothing to be recovered or discovered from the applicants. The applicants are willing to cooperate with the investigation and abide by any conditions this Court deems fit to impose. 4.

On the other hand, the learned Additional Public Prosecutor representing the respondent/ State, opposes the applicants' request for pre-arrest bail. He submits that the offence is of a grave and serious nature. There are specific allegations against the applicants. The learned APP raises concerns about granting bail to the applicants as they may tamper with the evidence or influence witnesses. 5.

This Court has given anxious consideration to the submissions canvassed across the Bar and perused the records. 6.

A bare perusal of records reveals that the only allegation against the present applicants is that they issued threats to the informant. The other allegations regarding the assault and snatching of the gold ornaments are against the co-accused. There is nothing to be recovered or discovered at the behest of the applicants. The apprehensions of the prosecution about potential evidence tampering and witness influence can be

addressed by imposing appropriate conditions. Considering the totality of the circumstances, this Court is inclined to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicants. Hence, the following order:

ORDER

(i) In the event of the applicants'

arrest in CR No.176 of 2026, registered at Padgha Police Station, Thane, they shall be released on bail upon executing a PR Bond of Rs.25,000/- each and furnishing one or more sureties in the like amount.

(ii) The applicants, themselves or through any other person, shall not tamper with the evidence or influence witnesses.

(iii) The applicants shall attend the concerned police station as and when required till the filing of the charge sheet. 7.

The application stands disposed of accordingly. [R.N. Laddha, J.]