2026:JHHC:16233 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI B.A. No. 4068 of 2026 Pankaj Kumar Baitha @ Pankaj Kumar Rajak … … Petitioner Versus The State of Jharkhand … … Opp. Party --- CORAM: HON’BLE MRS. JUSTICE ANUBHA RAWAT CHOUDHARY --- For the Petitioner : Mr. Divyansh Krishna, Advocate For the Opp. Party : Mr. Shiv Shankar Kumar, Advocate --- 04/8th June 2026 1. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is in custody in connection with Manjhiaon P.S. Case No. 65/2024 for the offence registered under Sections 87, 137(2), 127(4), 142, 65(1), 64(m) of BNS and Section 4, 6 and 21 of POCSO Act, now said to have been pending in the court of learned Special Judge, POCSO Court Garhwa as POCSO Case No. 13/2025. 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the bail application of the petitioner was earlier withdrawn by the petitioner. The petitioner has renewed his prayer for bail on account of custody since 30.07.2024. 3. Learned counsel for the opposite party has opposed the prayer for bail and has submitted that out of 11 witnesses, 6 have already been examined and the last witness was examined in the month of January 2026. He submits that there is direct allegation against the petitioner. 4. Considering the serious nature of allegation against the petitioner that he kidnapped the minor victim aged about 14 years and committed repeated forceful rape upon her, this Court is not inclined to enlarge the petitioner on bail. Hence, this bail application is rejected. 5. However, the trial is at advance stage and therefore, the State is directed to ensure prompt production of the witnesses during trial. 2026:JHHC:16233 2 6. 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. 7. Let a copy of this order be communicated to the court concerned through ‘e-mail/FAX’. (Anubha Rawat Choudhary, J.) Dated: 08.06.2026 Uploaded On: 09.06.2026 Mukul/-