2026:JHHC:19177 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI B.A. No. 5947 of 2026 Akash Kerketta, S/o- Sudama Kerketta … … Petitioner Versus The State of Jharkhand … … Opposite Party --- CORAM: HON’BLE MRS. JUSTICE ANUBHA RAWAT CHOUDHARY --- For the Petitioner : Mr. Soumitra Baroi, Advocate For the Opp. Party : Mr. Ajay Kr. Pathak, APP --- 02/01.07.2026 Heard the learned counsels appearing on behalf of the parties. 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is in custody in connection with POCSO Case No. 48 of 2024 arising out of Sadar P.S. Case No. 256/2024, registered under Section 70 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and section 4 of POCSO Act, now pending in the court of learned Special Judge, POCSO Act, Chatra 3. Learned counsel for the petitioner further submits that the petitioner is in custody since 25.07.2024 and earlier, the bail application of the petitioner was withdrawn vide order dated 29.11.2024 passed in B.A. No. 9888 of 2024. He submits that the petitioner has renewed his prayer for bail on the ground of custody. 4. Learned counsel for the petitioner has also submitted that the witnesses who have been examined have not fully supported the prosecution case. The informant herself has turned hostile. 5. Learned counsel for the opposite party- State, on the other hand, has opposed the prayer for bail and has submitted that as per the impugned order dated 13.05.2026, out of seven prosecution witnesses, three witnesses have already been examined. He submits that the case is of gang rape and from the impugned order, it appears that the petitioner was referring to some compromise and the alleged offence is not compoundable. 6. After hearing the learned counsels for the parties and considering the direct allegation of gang rape against the petitioner, this Court is not inclined to enlarge the petitioner on bail and hence, 2026:JHHC:19177 2 this bail application is rejected. 7. However, the State is directed to ensure that the remaining witnesses are promptly produced before the learned court and the SFSL report be also produced before the court. 8. Learned counsel for the State is directed to communicate this order to the Superintendent of Police of the concerned district, Director, prosecution and also to the SFSL, Ranchi to ensure compliance. 9. Let a copy of this order be communicated to the learned court concerned through “FAX/email”. (Anubha Rawat Choudhary, J.) Date of Order:01.07.2026 Pankaj Date of Uploading:02.07.2026