1 2026:CGHC:9368 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 844 of 2026 1 - Rahul Satnami S/o Shri Shyamlal Satnami, Aged About 19 Years, R/o Village - Sarasmal Satnamipara, P.S. Sadar, District - Jharsugda Odisha. ... Applicant versus 1 - State Of Chhattisgarh Through Station House Officer, Police Station - Gharghoda, District - Raigarh Chhattisgarh. ... Respondent For Applicant : Ms. Sakshi Singh Thakur, Advocate. For State/Respondent : Mr. Anish Tiwari, Dy.G.A. Hon'ble Shri Justice Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal Order on Board 23/02/2026 1. This is the first bail application filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for grant of regular bail to the applicant who has been arrested in connection with Crime No. 186/2025 registered at Police Station - Gharghoda, District-Raigarh (C.G.), for the offence punishable under Sections 137(2), 87, 64(1), 65(1) of BNS, 2023 and Section 4, 6 of POCSO Act. 2. The prosecution's case, in brief, is that the victim left her house without informing anyone, and despite searching, her SOURABH PATEL Digitally signed by SOURABH PATEL Date: 2026.02.23 16:13:53 +0530 2 whereabouts could not be found. Therefore, on 20.07.2025, the father of the victim lodged a missing report. Later, during the investigation, the victim was recovered from the possession of the present applicant, and the applicant was arrested for the aforesaid offence. After completion of the investigation, a charge-sheet was filed. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the case with no connection to the alleged offence. He further submits that the victim voluntarily accompanied the applicant and was a consenting party, therefore, no offence is made out against the appellant. He next submits that the victim and her parents have been examined and have not supported the case of the prosecution. The applicant has no criminal antecedents and has been in jail since 21.07.2025 and the trial is likely to take considerable time to conclude, therefore, the present applicant may be released on bail. 4. On the other hand, learned counsel for the State opposed the bail application, submitting that at the time of the incident, the victim was a minor. Out of a total of 26 witnesses, only 08 have been examined till date, therefore, at this stage, the applicant should not be released on bail. 5. The victim along with her father appeared virtually from the concerned DLSA and recorded ‘no objection’ in granting bail to the applicant. 6. I have heard learned counsel appearing for the parties and 3 perused the case diary. 7. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the nature and gravity of the offence, and on perusal of the court statement of the victim and the fact that the applicant has been in jail since 21.07.2025, out of 26 witnesses, only 08 have been examined till date, and the trial is likely to take considerable time to conclude, I find it appropriate to release the applicant on bail. 8. Accordingly, the application is allowed and the applicant is directed to be released on bail on his furnishing a personal bond in sum of Rs.25,000/- with one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the trial Court for his appearance before the said Court as and when directed in that behalf. 9. Office is directed to send a certified copy of this order to the trial Court concerned for necessary information and compliance forthwith. Sd/- (Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal) Judge Sourabh P.