CRM-M-3044-2026 209-2 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA Shabaz Khan @ Shane State of Punjab CORAM : HON'BLE MS Present: Mr. Mr. Jaiveer Singh, Mr. MANDEEP PANNU J. 1. This is the first petition under Section 483 of the BNSS, 2023 seeking grant of regular bail in case FIR No. 0014 dated 19.09.2025, registered under Sections 111, 318(4), 61(2), 237, 238, 336(3), 340 BNS, 2023 and Sections 66( and 66(D) of the Crime, Kapurthala. 2. Brief facts of the case are that on 19.09.2025, on the basis of secret information, a raid was conducted at Taj Vil where an illegal call cen conducted by Amrinder Singh @ Sabi Tohri, along with Jaspreet Singh, Madan, Varun @ Rohan and other accused persons. During the raid, several persons were found operating computer systems and fraud activities. The police found multiple computer cabins with individuals 2026 (O&M) IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH -.- CRM Date of Decision : Shabaz Khan @ Shane VERSUS HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE MANDEEP PANNU Mr. P.S.Ahluwalia, Sr. Advocate assisted by Mr. Jaiveer Singh, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Kanav Singla, AAG Punjab. -.- MANDEEP PANNU J. (Oral) This is the first petition under Section 483 of the BNSS, 2023 seeking grant of regular bail in case FIR No. 0014 dated 19.09.2025, registered under Sections 111, 318(4), 61(2), 237, 238, 336(3), 340 BNS, 2023 and Sections 66( ) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, at Police Station Cyber Crime, Kapurthala. Brief facts of the case are that on 19.09.2025, on the basis of secret information, a raid was conducted at Taj Villas Hotel, Chahal Nagar, Phagwara, where an illegal call centre was allegedly being run. The said operation was being conducted by Amrinder Singh @ Sabi Tohri, along with Jaspreet Singh, Madan, Varun @ Rohan and other accused persons. During the raid, several persons were found operating computer systems and fraud activities. The police found multiple computer cabins with individuals -1- IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-3044-2026 (O&M) Date of Decision : 20.03.2026 ....Petitioner ....Respondent MANDEEP PANNU P.S.Ahluwalia, Sr. Advocate assisted by Advocate for the petitioner. This is the first petition under Section 483 of the BNSS, 2023 seeking grant of regular bail in case FIR No. 0014 dated 19.09.2025, registered under Sections 111, 318(4), 61(2), 237, 238, 336(3), 340 BNS, 2023 and Sections 66( Information Technology Act, 2000, at Police Station Cyber Brief facts of the case are that on 19.09.2025, on the basis of secret as Hotel, Chahal Nagar, Phagwara, tre was allegedly being run. The said operation was being conducted by Amrinder Singh @ Sabi Tohri, along with Jaspreet Singh, Saajan Madan, Varun @ Rohan and other accused persons. During the raid, several persons were found operating computer systems and allegedly involved in cyber fraud activities. The police found multiple computer cabins with individuals This is the first petition under Section 483 of the BNSS, 2023 seeking grant of regular bail in case FIR No. 0014 dated 19.09.2025, registered under Sections 111, 318(4), 61(2), 237, 238, 336(3), 340 BNS, 2023 and Sections 66(C) Information Technology Act, 2000, at Police Station Cyber Brief facts of the case are that on 19.09.2025, on the basis of secret as Hotel, Chahal Nagar, Phagwara, tre was allegedly being run. The said operation was being Saajan Madan, Varun @ Rohan and other accused persons. During the raid, several allegedly involved in cyber fraud activities. The police found multiple computer cabins with individuals TRIPTI SAINI 2026.03.20 17:32 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-3044-2026 working in a coordinated manner. Various accused including Paras Malhotr Anshul, Bharat Sharma and Uj operation. From the spot, recoveries were effected including a large number of laptops, mobile phones, electronic devices, Wi Importantly, a substantial amount of cash, approximately recovered. It is fur were arrested on the spot on 19.09.2025 from the premises being used as a fake call centre. 3. Learned counsel for the been falsely implica lawful business of manufacturing toys and household plastic items and has no connection with the alleged cyber fraud activities. Learned counsel further submits that the petitioner was detain Airport, Kolkata, pursuant to a Look Out Circular, while he was travelling abroad for business purposes, and thereafter he cooperated with the investigation. It is contended that he has joined the investigati establish his involvement in the alleged offence. It is further argued that no recovery has been effected from the petitioner and his implication is primarily based upon disclosure statements. The petitioner undertakes and abide by all conditions as may be imposed by this Court and prays for grant of bail. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel has opposed the present petition and submitted that the petitioner is a key member of an organized crime syndicate. It is contended that the petitioner, namely Shahbaz Khan @ Shane, in connivance with co 2026 (O&M) working in a coordinated manner. Various accused including Paras Malhotr Anshul, Bharat Sharma and Ujwal were also found connected with the said ration. From the spot, recoveries were effected including a large number of laptops, mobile phones, electronic devices, Wi- Importantly, a substantial amount of cash, approximately It is further the case of the prosecution that a total of 38 accused persons were arrested on the spot on 19.09.2025 from the premises being used as a fake Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that he is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. It is submitted that he is engaged in a lawful business of manufacturing toys and household plastic items and has no connection with the alleged cyber fraud activities. Learned counsel further submits that the petitioner was detained at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, pursuant to a Look Out Circular, while he was travelling abroad for business purposes, and thereafter he cooperated with the investigation. It is contended that he has joined the investigation and there is no direct evidence to establish his involvement in the alleged offence. It is further argued that no recovery has been effected from the petitioner and his implication is primarily based upon disclosure statements. The petitioner undertakes and abide by all conditions as may be imposed by this Court and prays for grant of On the other hand, learned State counsel has opposed the present petition and submitted that the petitioner is a key member of an organized crime syndicate. It is contended that the petitioner, namely Shahbaz Khan @ Shane, in connivance with co-accused Jaspreet Singh, Prateek Malik @ Suraj, -2- working in a coordinated manner. Various accused including Paras Malhotr wal were also found connected with the said ration. From the spot, recoveries were effected including a large number of -Fi equipment and several vehicles. Importantly, a substantial amount of cash, approximately ₹10,00,000, was also ther the case of the prosecution that a total of 38 accused persons were arrested on the spot on 19.09.2025 from the premises being used as a fake petitioner contends that he is innocent and has ted in the present case. It is submitted that he is engaged in a lawful business of manufacturing toys and household plastic items and has no connection with the alleged cyber fraud activities. Learned counsel further submits ed at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, pursuant to a Look Out Circular, while he was travelling abroad for business purposes, and thereafter he cooperated with the investigation. It is on and there is no direct evidence to establish his involvement in the alleged offence. It is further argued that no recovery has been effected from the petitioner and his implication is primarily based upon disclosure statements. The petitioner undertakes to join investigation and abide by all conditions as may be imposed by this Court and prays for grant of On the other hand, learned State counsel has opposed the present petition and submitted that the petitioner is a key member of an organized cyber crime syndicate. It is contended that the petitioner, namely Shahbaz Khan @ accused Jaspreet Singh, Prateek Malik @ Suraj, working in a coordinated manner. Various accused including Paras Malhotra, wal were also found connected with the said ration. From the spot, recoveries were effected including a large number of Fi equipment and several vehicles. ₹10,00,000, was also ther the case of the prosecution that a total of 38 accused persons were arrested on the spot on 19.09.2025 from the premises being used as a fake petitioner contends that he is innocent and has ted in the present case. It is submitted that he is engaged in a lawful business of manufacturing toys and household plastic items and has no connection with the alleged cyber fraud activities. Learned counsel further submits ed at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, pursuant to a Look Out Circular, while he was travelling abroad for business purposes, and thereafter he cooperated with the investigation. It is on and there is no direct evidence to establish his involvement in the alleged offence. It is further argued that no recovery has been effected from the petitioner and his implication is primarily to join investigation and abide by all conditions as may be imposed by this Court and prays for grant of On the other hand, learned State counsel has opposed the present cyber crime syndicate. It is contended that the petitioner, namely Shahbaz Khan @ accused Jaspreet Singh, Prateek Malik @ Suraj, TRIPTI SAINI 2026.03.20 17:32 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-3044-2026 Harveer Singh, Pooja and Sajan Madan, was actively involved in running a fake call centre from Taj petitioner was instrumental in training co Singh and others, in executing the cyber fraud operations, who in turn trained additional employees engaged in duping f involved contacting victims from the USA and Canada, gaining remote access to their systems through screen money from their accounts. It is further submitted that the pe voluntary disclosures during custodial interrogation, which corroborate the operational mechanism of the racket. The material collected during investigation, including disclosure statements and other incriminating evidence, clearly establishes his deep involvement in the organized cyber crime network. It is also pointed out that the offence is of a serious nature involving crores of rupees and has international ramifications. 5. Having heard learned counsel for the parties and after perusing record, this Court is of the considered view that the petitioner does not deserve the concession of bail. 6. The material on record prima facie indicates that the petitioner was not a mere participant but played a pivotal and supervisory role in the operation. He was involved in imparting training to co Jaspreet Singh and others, who further trained additional individuals to carry out fraudulent activities, thereby establishing a structured and organized cyber crime syndicate. The nature of allegations reveals a well foreign nationals, involving sophisticated technological means to gain unauthorized access to electronic devices and siphon funds. 2026 (O&M) Harveer Singh, Pooja and Sajan Madan, was actively involved in running a fake call centre from Taj Villas Hotel, Phagwara. It is further submitted that the petitioner was instrumental in training co-accused persons, including Jaspreet Singh and others, in executing the cyber fraud operations, who in turn trained additional employees engaged in duping foreign nationals. The modus operandi involved contacting victims from the USA and Canada, gaining remote access to their systems through screen-sharing applications and thereafter siphoning off money from their accounts. It is further submitted that the pe voluntary disclosures during custodial interrogation, which corroborate the operational mechanism of the racket. The material collected during investigation, including disclosure statements and other incriminating evidence, clearly s his deep involvement in the organized cyber crime network. It is also pointed out that the offence is of a serious nature involving crores of rupees and has international ramifications. Having heard learned counsel for the parties and after perusing record, this Court is of the considered view that the petitioner does not deserve the concession of bail. The material on record prima facie indicates that the petitioner was not a mere participant but played a pivotal and supervisory role in the operation. He was involved in imparting training to co Jaspreet Singh and others, who further trained additional individuals to carry out fraudulent activities, thereby establishing a structured and organized cyber crime yndicate. The nature of allegations reveals a well foreign nationals, involving sophisticated technological means to gain unauthorized access to electronic devices and siphon funds. -3- Harveer Singh, Pooja and Sajan Madan, was actively involved in running a fake as Hotel, Phagwara. It is further submitted that the accused persons, including Jaspreet Singh and others, in executing the cyber fraud operations, who in turn trained oreign nationals. The modus operandi involved contacting victims from the USA and Canada, gaining remote access to sharing applications and thereafter siphoning off money from their accounts. It is further submitted that the petitioner made voluntary disclosures during custodial interrogation, which corroborate the operational mechanism of the racket. The material collected during investigation, including disclosure statements and other incriminating evidence, clearly s his deep involvement in the organized cyber crime network. It is also pointed out that the offence is of a serious nature involving crores of rupees and Having heard learned counsel for the parties and after perusing record, this Court is of the considered view that the petitioner does not deserve the The material on record prima facie indicates that the petitioner was not a mere participant but played a pivotal and supervisory role in the entire operation. He was involved in imparting training to co-accused persons, including Jaspreet Singh and others, who further trained additional individuals to carry out fraudulent activities, thereby establishing a structured and organized cyber crime yndicate. The nature of allegations reveals a well-planned operation targeting foreign nationals, involving sophisticated technological means to gain unauthorized access to electronic devices and siphon funds. Harveer Singh, Pooja and Sajan Madan, was actively involved in running a fake as Hotel, Phagwara. It is further submitted that the accused persons, including Jaspreet Singh and others, in executing the cyber fraud operations, who in turn trained oreign nationals. The modus operandi involved contacting victims from the USA and Canada, gaining remote access to sharing applications and thereafter siphoning off titioner made voluntary disclosures during custodial interrogation, which corroborate the operational mechanism of the racket. The material collected during investigation, including disclosure statements and other incriminating evidence, clearly s his deep involvement in the organized cyber crime network. It is also pointed out that the offence is of a serious nature involving crores of rupees and Having heard learned counsel for the parties and after perusing the record, this Court is of the considered view that the petitioner does not deserve the The material on record prima facie indicates that the petitioner was entire accused persons, including Jaspreet Singh and others, who further trained additional individuals to carry out fraudulent activities, thereby establishing a structured and organized cyber crime planned operation targeting foreign nationals, involving sophisticated technological means to gain TRIPTI SAINI 2026.03.20 17:32 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-3044-2026 7. Although it is contended that no recovery petitioner, the absence of direct recovery at this stage does not dilute the gravity of the allegations in view of the overwhelming material available on record, including his disclosure statement and the statements of co his role. The scale of the fraud, the amount involved running into crores of rupees, and the international dimension of the crime further aggravate the seriousness of the offence. The plea of parity with other co attributed to the petitioner is distinct, being that of a trainer and facilitator at a higher level in the hierarchy of the syndicate, which differentiates his case from those co-accused who have been granted bail. 8. Considering the specific role attributed to the petitioner, the nature and gravity of the allegations, and the material collected during investigation, this Court does not find it to be a fit case for grant of bail. 9. Accordingly, the present petition s observed herein shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case 10. Pending application(s), if any, is/are disposed of. March 20, 2026 tripti Whether speaking/non Whether reportable 2026 (O&M) Although it is contended that no recovery petitioner, the absence of direct recovery at this stage does not dilute the gravity of the allegations in view of the overwhelming material available on record, including his disclosure statement and the statements of co his role. The scale of the fraud, the amount involved running into crores of rupees, and the international dimension of the crime further aggravate the seriousness of the offence. The plea of parity with other co-accused is also u attributed to the petitioner is distinct, being that of a trainer and facilitator at a higher level in the hierarchy of the syndicate, which differentiates his case from accused who have been granted bail. Considering the specific role attributed to the petitioner, the nature and gravity of the allegations, and the material collected during investigation, this Court does not find it to be a fit case for grant of bail. Accordingly, the present petition stands dismissed. observed herein shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the Pending application(s), if any, is/are disposed of. Whether speaking/non-speaking : Speaking Whether reportable : Yes/No -4- Although it is contended that no recovery has been effected from the petitioner, the absence of direct recovery at this stage does not dilute the gravity of the allegations in view of the overwhelming material available on record, including his disclosure statement and the statements of co-accused, which clearly delineate his role. The scale of the fraud, the amount involved running into crores of rupees, and the international dimension of the crime further aggravate the seriousness of accused is also untenable, as the role attributed to the petitioner is distinct, being that of a trainer and facilitator at a higher level in the hierarchy of the syndicate, which differentiates his case from Considering the specific role attributed to the petitioner, the nature and gravity of the allegations, and the material collected during investigation, this Court does not find it to be a fit case for grant of bail. tands dismissed. However, nothing observed herein shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the Pending application(s), if any, is/are disposed of. (MANDEEP PANNU) JUDGE : Speaking : Yes/No has been effected from the petitioner, the absence of direct recovery at this stage does not dilute the gravity of the allegations in view of the overwhelming material available on record, including , which clearly delineate his role. The scale of the fraud, the amount involved running into crores of rupees, and the international dimension of the crime further aggravate the seriousness of ntenable, as the role attributed to the petitioner is distinct, being that of a trainer and facilitator at a higher level in the hierarchy of the syndicate, which differentiates his case from Considering the specific role attributed to the petitioner, the nature and gravity of the allegations, and the material collected during investigation, this However, nothing observed herein shall be construed as an expression of opinion on the merits of the TRIPTI SAINI 2026.03.20 17:32 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document