1 2026:CGHC:24470 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 885 of 2026 Dhaneshwar Kanwar S/o Shri Teekaram Kanwar Aged About 42 Years Posted As Computer Operator, Adim Jati Sewa Sahkari Samiti Kuhikala, Tahsil - Chhuriya, District Rajnandgaon, R/o Village Jaisinghtola, Thana - Gaindatola Tahsil Chhuriya, Distt. – Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh ... Applicant versus The State of Chhattisgarh Through The Station House Officer, Police Station Gaindatola, Distt. Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh ... Non-Applicant For Applicant : Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Advocate. For Non-applicant/State : Mr. S.S. Baghel, Government Advocate. Hon'ble Mr. Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Order on Board 17.06.2026 1. This anticipatory bail application under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has been filed by the applicant, who is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No. 29/2026 registered at Police Station – Gaindatola, District : Rajnandgaon (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 318(4), 316(5) and 3(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. 2. The prosecution case is that on 12.05.2026, the complainant, Doman Singh, Cooperative Extension Officer, Chhuriya, lodged an FIR against PREETI KUMARI Digitally signed by PREETI KUMARI Date: 2026.06.18 13:33:46 +0530 2 the applicant and other accused persons at Police Station Gaindatola, District Rajnandgaon. It was alleged that during the financial year 2025–26, irregularities were detected in the procurement and sale of paddy at Adim Jati Sewa Sahakari Samiti, Kuhikala, District Rajnandgaon. A joint inquiry committee conducted a verification and found that the co-accused persons, namely the Society In-charge, Dhaneshwar Kanwar, the Computer Operator, Dhaneshwar Kanwar, and the present applicant, who was working as the Prescribed Officer, failed to dispatch 1,755.38 quintals of paddy to the rice millers and also failed to safeguard the remaining 284.40 quintals of paddy stored on the society premises. It was further alleged that, out of a total of 2,039.86 quintals of paddy valued at approximately Rs. 63,23,566/-, the accused persons committed criminal breach of trust and cheating, thereby causing wrongful loss to the Government. On the basis of the report submitted by the Office of the Deputy Registrar, Cooperative Societies, and pursuant to the directions of the Collector, Rajnandgaon, FIR bearing Crime No. 29/2026 was registered at Police Station Gaindatola under Sections 318(4), 316(5), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. 3. It has been argued by the learned counsel for the applicant that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case. It is submitted that the applicant was merely working as a Computer Operator in the society and had no independent authority, control, or decision-making power with respect to the procurement, storage, transportation, or physical verification of paddy stocks. The duties of the applicant were confined to making data entries and maintaining computerized records as per the instructions of the concerned superior authorities. The applicant had no role in the physical handling, weighing, storage, dispatch, or lifting of paddy and, therefore, cannot be held 3 responsible for any alleged shortage or misappropriation of stock. He also submits that the applicant has already been suspended from his service. Further, the applicant has no previous criminal antecedents. Therefore, he prays grant of bail to the applicant. 4. On the other hand, the learned State counsel opposes the bail application of the applicant. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the materials available on record. 6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, nature and gravity of allegation leveled against the applicant and the fact that the applicant was working only as a Computer Operator and his duties were confined to data entry and maintenance of computerized records, coupled with the fact that he had no previous criminal antecedents and has already been suspended from his service, this Court is of the view that the applicant is entitled to be granted anticipatory bail in this case. 7. Accordingly, the instant MCRCA is allowed and it is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicant - Dhaneshwar Kanwar on executing a personal bond with one local surety each in the like sum to the satisfaction of the arresting Officer, they shall be released on bail on the following conditions:- (a) The applicant shall not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case so as to dissuade him from disclosing such fact to the Court. (b) The applicant shall not act in any manner which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial. (c) The Applicant shall appear before the trial Court on each and every date given to him by the said Court till disposal of the trial. 4 (d)The applicant and the surety shall submit a copy of their adhaar card alongwith a colored postcard full size photo having printed the adhaar number on it, which shall be verified by the trial Court. (e)The applicant shall not involve himself in any offence of similar nature in future. Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha) Chief Justice Preeti