IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No. 5265 of 2026 Santosh Kumar Routray …. Petitioner Mr. P.K. Pradhan, Advocate -Versus- State of Odisha …. Opposite Party Mr. S. Panda, ASC CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 20.05.2026 01. 1. Heard learned counsel for the respective parties. 2. Instant petition under Section 482 BNSS is filed seeking pre-arrest bail of the petitioner in connection with C.T. Case No.569 of 2026 arising out of Balichandrapur P.S. Case No.116 of 2026 pending in the file of learned J.M.F.C., Chandikhol on the grounds stated. 3. Perused the FIR as at Annexure-1 and the alleged incident is narrated therein. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the miscreants wore a mask at the time of alleged incident, hence, identity is not revealed and in so far as, the petitioner is concerned, he is not involved but apprehends arrest in the hands of local police. Recorded the objection of Mr. Panda, learned counsel for the State with reference to the FIR. From the FIR, the Court finds that gunshot was fired aiming towards the informant. It is claimed by the State that the spent bullet was also recovered from the spot. In view of the above, this Court is not inclined to entertain the bail plea of the petitioner, who is, however, having the liberty to surrender before the learned court below demanding release for its consideration on merit. 4. Accordingly, it is ordered. 5. In the result, the ABLAPL is disposed of with the above liberty allowed in favour of the petitioner. 6. Issue urgent certified copy of this order as per rules. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge Rojina Designation: Junior Stenographer