2026:JHHC:12352 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI B.A. No. 3481 of 2026 Narsingh Manjhi, son of Late Ganesh Manjhi … … Petitioner Versus State of Jharkhand … … Opp. Party --- CORAM: HON’BLE MRS. JUSTICE ANUBHA RAWAT CHOUDHARY --- For the Petitioner : Mr. Rajesh Kumar Mandal, Advocate For the Opp. Party : Mr. Santosh Kumar Shukla, Advocate --- 05/28th April 2026 1. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is in custody in connection with Silli P.S. Case No. 95/2025 for the offence registered under Sections 76/79/331(2)/351(2)/3(5) of BNS and Section ¾ of the Prevention of Witch Craft Act, now said to have been pending in the court of learned S.D.J.M., Ranchi. 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner has submitted that the petitioner is a retired government servant and he is in custody since 23.12.2025. The learned counsel submits that the charge-sheet has been submitted, but charge has not yet been framed. He submits that the petitioner has no criminal antecedent. 3. Learned counsel for the State while opposing the prayer has submitted that as per the allegation, finding the victim all alone , her husband being in custody, on the pretext of getting her husband released from jail, the petitioner entered into the house of the victim and tried to outrage the modesty of the victim by disrobing her clothes; upon raising alarm, the petitioner fled away. He has also submitted that on the next day , the co-accused persons extended threat to the victim, and the accused persons used to call the victim Daain. 4. To this, the learned counsel for the petitioner has submitted that other co-accused have been given privilege of anticipatory bail. 2026:JHHC:12352 2 5. After hearing the learned counsel for the parties and considering the direct allegation made against the petitioner, this Court is not inclined to enlarge the petitioner on bail at this stage. Hence, this bail application is rejected. 6. However, the petitioner may renew his prayer for bail after 6 months. 7. However, the learned trial court is directed to expedite the trial and the State is directed to ensure prompt production of the witnesses during trial. 8. Learned counsel for the State is directed to communicate a copy of this order to the Director, Prosecution as well as Superintendent of Police of the concerned district to ensure compliance. 9. Let a copy of this order be communicated to the court concerned through ‘e-mail/FAX’. (Anubha Rawat Choudhary, J.) Dated: 28.04.2026 Uploaded On: Mukul/-