1 2026:CGHC:12125 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 267 of 2026 Kushagra Pradhan S/o Brajmohan Pradhan Aged About 37 Years R/o Village Seetapur, P.S. Basna, Distt. Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh. ... Applicant versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through The Station House Officer, Police Of Police Station Basna, Distt. Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh. ... Respondent For Applicant : Shri Raghvendra Pradhan, Advocate. For Respondent/State : Ms. Anusha Naik, Dy.G.A. Hon'ble Shri Ramesh Sinha , Chief Justice Order on Board 13/03/2026 1. This first anticipatory bail application under Section 482 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has been filed by the applicant, who is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No.44/2026 registered at Police Station – Basna, District Mahasamund (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Section 316(5) of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. GOURI MUDALIAR Digitally signed by GOURI MUDALIAR Date: 2026.03.16 12:25:27 +0530 2 2. Case of the prosecution, in brief, is that on 21-01-2026, a physical verification was conducted by the SDM Pithora in Paddy Procurement Centre Jagdishpur and found shortage of 650 bags of paddy (total 260 quintal, valued of Rs.6,15,940/-) and Rs. 1,90,060/- under Kisan Unnati Yozna, a sum of Rs.8,60,000/-) was found missing from the Paddy Procurement Centre, Jagdishpur, Police Station Basna, in which the present applicant is working as a incharge. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. It is contended that the applicant has been working as Samiti Incharge of Paddy Procurement Centre, Jagdishpur for the last five years and has been discharging his duties honestly with a clean record and zero shortage history. It is further submitted that on 27.12.2025, a surprise inspection was conducted by the Collector, Mahasamund at the said procurement centre, wherein no shortage of paddy or money was found and the stock was verified as correct. However, subsequently a second inspection was carried out by the SDM, Pithora on 21.01.2026, alleging shortage of 650 bags of paddy (260 quintals) and the entire case is solely based on this second inspection. He further submits that the applicant immediately requested re-verification/recounting of the stock, but the same was denied by the SDM, Pithora. Thereafter, the applicant submitted a written representation dated 28.01.2026 to the Collector, Mahasamund seeking re-verification of the stock. It is also contended that no recovery has been made from the possession of the applicant and the procurement centre is fully covered under CCTV surveillance and secured with fencing. He would submit that the applicant is ready to furnish adequate surety and shall abide by all the 3 directions and conditions which may be imposed by this Court, applicant is a permanent resident of address mentioned in the cause title and there is no chance of his absconding, therefore he prays to enlarge the applicant on anticipatory bail. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel, appearing for the non - applicant/State, opposes the prayer for grant of anticipatory bail. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the materials available on record. 6. Considering the facts & circumstances of the case, submission of learned counsel for the parties, materials available on record, considering the nature of allegation levelled against the applicant and also considering the fact that investigation and trial are likely to take some time, without commenting anything on the merits of the case, I am inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the present applicant. 7. Accordingly, the instant MCRCA is allowed and it is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicant – Kushagra Pradhan, on executing a personal bond and one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the arresting Officer, he 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 4 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. (d) The applicant and the surety shall submit a copy of his adhaar card along with a coloured 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 gouri