IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 22-09-2025 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE K. RAJASEKAR CRL OP NO.26018 of 2025 Manikandan ... Petitioner/ Accused Vs The State rep. by, Inspector of Police, Erode, All Women Police Station, Erode District (Crime No.16 of 2025) ... Respondent PRAYER : Criminal Original Petition filed under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to grant bail to the petitioner/accused in Spl S.C.No.158 of 2025 on the file of Court of Sessions, Magalir Neethi Mandram, ( Fast Track Mahila Court), Erode Crime No.16 of 2025 on the file of the respondent police. For Petitioner(s) : Mr.J. Ranjith Kumar For Respondent(s) : Mr. A. Gopinath Government Advocate (Crl. Side) ******* 1/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ORDER The petitioner, who was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on 07.05.2025, for the offences punishable under Sections 5(g),6 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act,2012( POCSO) in Crime No.16 of 2025, registered on the file of the respondent police, seeks bail. 2. The case of the prosecution is that the petitioner joined hands with other accused and committed gang rape against the minor victim girl aged about 16 years. Hence, this case. 3.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner was in custody from 07.05.2025 and final report is also filed. He further submitted that the petitioner is ready to abide by any conditions that may be imposed by this Court and sought for bail to the petitioner. 4.The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent while opposing the bail to the petitioner, reiterated the prosecution case and states that this is a case of gang rape and investigation is not yet completed. 2/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis 5. I have gone through the statement of the victim girl and the F.I.R 6. Considering the facts of the case and the nature of offence committed by the petitioner and investigation in this case is not yet completed, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner. 7. Accordingly, this criminal original petition stands dismissed. 22.09.2025 smn To Inspector of Police, Erode, All Women Police Station, Erode District 3/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis K. RAJASEKAR, J. smn Crl.O.P. No.26018 of 2025 22.09.2025 4/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis