2026:JHHC:5212 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI B.A. No. 466 of 2026 ------ Sahjan Khan, son of Firoj Khan, resident of Village Makandu, P.O. Jingi, P.S. and District Lohardaga .... .... …. Petitioner Versus The State of Jharkhand .... .... .... Opp. Party CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE GAUTAM KUMAR CHOUDHARY For the Petitioner : Mr. Altamash Khan, Advocate For the State : Mr. Satish Prasad, A.P.P. ------ Order No.03 / Dated : 20.02.2026 Bail petition filed on behalf of the petitioner- Sahjan Khan, who is in custody since 10.02.2025 in connection with S.T. No. 75 of 2025 arising out of Lohardaga Mahila P.S. Case No. 03 of 2025 for the offence registered under Sections 376(1), 354A, 323, 504, 506, 498A and 120B of the Indian Penal Code and Section 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act pending in the Court of learned Additional Sessions Judge II, Lohardaga, is pressed into motion. As per the FIR lodged on 23rd January, 2025, the petitioner committed rape with the victim on 22.06.2024 and when this matter was disclosed to the family members, by the intervention of the villagers marriage was performed between the petitioner and the victim. It is alleged that after the marriage, she was subjected to cruelty in reference to unlawful demand of dowry by this petitioner and his family members. It is also alleged that in-laws had evil eye on her. It is submitted by the learned counsel on behalf of petitioner that the allegation of rape is not sustainable as the victim is a major lady married to the Petitioner. Alleged incident took place six months before lodging the FIR, and there was no complaint made in this regard. So far, the allegation of subjecting the victim to cruelty is concerned, it is alleged that the victim lady was assaulted by the petitioner and five other family members, but there is no injury report to corroborate the allegation of assault. General allegations have been levelled against the entire family members. Petitioner is a labourer working in brick kiln and therefore, there was no question of making any dowry demand. Learned A.P.P. opposed the bail petition. It is submitted that the independent witnesses have supported the prosecution case and the charge sheet has been submitted under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code also. Under the circumstances, the above named petitioner is directed to be released on bail on furnishing bail bond of Rs.25,000/-(Twenty Five Thousand) with two sureties of the like amount each to the satisfaction of the Court below. (Gautam Kumar Choudhary, J.) Anit Uploaded 20.02.2026