IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK BLAPL No.927 of 2026 Santosh @ Santu Behera … Petitioner Mr. R. Naik, Advocate -versus- State of Odisha and another … Opposite Parties Mr. C. Mohanty, Addl. PP CORAM: JUSTICE G. SATAPATHY Order No. ORDER(ORAL):15.04.2026 02. 1. This matter is taken up through Hybrid Arrangement (Virtual/Physical Mode). 2. This is a bail application U/S.483 of BNSS by the petitioner for grant of bail in connection with Joda PS Case No.275 of 2022 corresponding to Spl. Case No.404 of 2022 pending in the file of learned ADJ-cum- Spl. Judge (POCSO), Keonjhar, for commission of offences punishable U/Ss.450/342/376-AB/376(2)(f)/ 506 of IPC r/w Section 6 of POCSO Act, on the main allegation of committing rape and aggravated penetrative sexual assault upon the victim-child aged about 9 years by confining her in a room. 3. Heard, Mr. Ramakrishan Naik, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. C. Mohanty, learned Additional Public Prosecutor in the matter and perused the record. None appears for the victim despite being duly intimated as apprised by learned Addl. PP. 4. After having considered the rival submissions taking into consideration the nature and gravity of the offences as alleged against the petitioner vis-à-vis the allegation sought to be brought against him and regard being had to the materials placed on record keeping in view the evidence of the victim and taking into account the age of the victim, this Court is not inclined to grant bail to the petitioner at this stage. 5. Hence, the bail application of the petitioner stands rejected. Accordingly, the BLAPL stands disposed of. A copy of this order be immediately transmitted to the learned Court in seisin over the matter. (G. Satapathy) Judge Subhasmita Designation: Sr. Stenographer