944-ABA-1037-2026.odt IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY BENCH AT AURANGABAD ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION NO. 1037 OF 2026 Shriram Radhakisan Funde VERSUS The State Of Maharashtra ... Ms. S. M. Zaware, Advocate for Applicant Mr. N. R. Dayama, APP for the Respondent – State ... CORAM : R.M. JOSHI, J DATE : AUGUST 06, 2026 P. C. : 1. Applicant apprehends arrest in connection with C.R. No. 265/2026 registered with Police Station Pathardi, District Ahilyanagar for the offences punishable under Sections 143 and 144(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. 2. The first information report indicates that on the basis of information received with regard to conducting of brothel at a lodge owned by the present Applicant, the raid was conducted in which the victim females were found. In the statement of these females it is recorded that they made made statement showing involvement of the Applicant in this crime being owner of the lodge. 3. Learned Counsel for the Applicant submits that except for the 2026:BHC-AUG:34138 944-ABA-1037-2026.odt alleged statement of the females, which were found at the spot, there is no evidence to connect Applicant with the crime in question. 4. Learned APP opposed grant of any protection to Applicant by referring to the statements recorded by the victim so also in view of the fact that there is one crime registered against the Applicant. It is his submission that the Applicant is the owner of the beer bar and lodge, however, the same is registered in someone’s name. 5. Perusal of the investigation papers indicates that the victim girls have not supported the case of prosecution before the Magistrate at the time of recording of their statement under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Apart from this, the record indicates that the business of Kalakendra is conducted in the said premises by someone else than the Applicant. Hence, liberty of the Applicant deserves to be protected. Hence, the order: O R D E R (i) Anticipatory Bail Application is allowed. (ii) In the event of arrest of the Applicant in connection with C.R. No. 265/2026 registered with Police Station Pathardi, District Ahilyanagar for the offences punishable under Sections 143 and 144(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, he shall be released on bail on furnishing PR bond of Rs. 15,000 (Rupees Fifteen Thousand Only) with one surety in the like amount. 944-ABA-1037-2026.odt (iii) He shall attend the concerned police station as and when required. (iv) He shall not contact the witnesses directly or indirectly. (v) He shall not interfere with the evidence in any manner whatsoever. (vi) He is further directed to cooperate the investigating agency for further investigation. (R. M. JOSHI, J.) Malani