CRM-M-12077-2026 (O&M) -1- IN THE HIGH COURT FOR THE STATES OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 217 CRM-M-12077-2026 (O&M) Date of decision : 22.07.2026 Ankit Rana ...Petitioner Versus State of Punjab ...Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Present:- Mr. Shivam Chaudhary, Advocate for the petitioner. Ms. Sakshi Bakshi, AAG, Punjab. MANISHA BATRA, J. (Oral) 1. The present petition has been filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking grant of regular bail to the petitioner in case arising out of FIR No.86 dated 16.05.2025, registered under Sections 109, 308(4), 351(4) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Section 27 of the Arms Act, 1959 at Police Station Mataur, District S.A.S. Nagar. 2. As per the allegations, on 15.05.2025 at about 10:00 p.m., the complainant was present at his residence along with his family, when his caretaker informed him that two clean-shaven unknown persons had come outside the house, enquired about the house number, pasted a threatening note on the gate and fired gunshots at the house before fleeing away. After some time, the said persons again returned on a motorcycle bearing registration No. UP-08-AB-7357 and again fired shots at MOHAMMAD WASEEM ANSARI 2026.07.22 17:22 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-12077-2026 (O&M) -2- the house with the intention to kill before escaping. The threatening note bore the words "Kala Rana and Lawrence Bishnoi Group". The complainant further stated that his father had earlier also been receiving extortion threats from different gangsters and requested legal action against the unknown assailants. On the basis of the said statement, the present FIR came to be registered against two unknown persons. After registration of the FIR, investigation proceedings were initiated. During the course of investigation, the petitioner was nominated and arrested in this case on 22.05.2025 on the basis of a secret information and disclosure statements of the co-accused. Investigation now stands completed. 3. It is argued by learned counsel for the petitioner that he has been falsely implicated in this case on the basis of a secret information and alleged disclosure statements of the above named co-accused, which cannot be considered to be admissible in evidence. He was not named in the FIR, which was initially registered against unknown persons. It is further argued that there is no direct or legally admissible evidence connecting the petitioner with the occurrence and that no recovery has been effected from him. Learned counsel further contends that the investigation stands completed, the challan has already been presented and the petitioner has remained in custody since 22.05.2025. Conclusion of trial is likely to take time as only 03 out of total 11 prosecution witnesses have been examined so far. His continued detention would not serve any useful purpose. His implication in other cases cannot be made a ground to deny him bail in the present case in the given circumstances. It is, thus, urged that the petition deserves to be allowed. 4. Custody certificate of the petitioner has been filed. Learned State MOHAMMAD WASEEM ANSARI 2026.07.22 17:22 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-12077-2026 (O&M) -3- counsel has argued that keeping in view the gravity of the allegations levelled against the petitioner as well as his criminal antecedents, he is not entitled to be given the benefit of bail. Hence, it is urged that the petition is liable to be dismissed. 5. This Court has heard the rival submissions. 6. Admittedly, the FIR was initially registered against two unknown assailants and the name of the petitioner does not find mention therein. His involvement surfaced subsequently during investigation. At this stage, there is nothing on record to connect the petitioner with the subject crime, except the aforesaid secret information and disclosure statements of the co-accused, evidentiary value of which is to be assessed during trial. The petitioner has remained in custody since 22.05.2025. Investigation stands concluded and the challan has already been presented. Therefore, no further custodial interrogation of the petitioner is required. Conclusion of trial is likely to take considerable time. Keeping in view the aforesaid facts and circumstances, this Court is of the considered opinion that no useful purpose would be served by keeping the petitioner in custody anymore. Accordingly, the present petition is allowed. The petitioner is ordered to be released on regular bail, subject to his furnishing personal bonds and surety bonds by two sureties to the satisfaction of the trial Court/Duty Magistrate concerned and on the following conditions:- (i) the petitioner shall not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case or tamper with the evidence of the case in any manner whatsoever. (ii) he shall not leave the country under any circumstance without permission of the learned trial MOHAMMAD WASEEM ANSARI 2026.07.22 17:22 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document CRM-M-12077-2026 (O&M) -4- Court. (iii) he shall appear before the learned trial Court as and when directed. (iv) he shall provide his address where he would be residing after release and shall not change the same without informing the concerned IO/SHO. (v) the petitioner shall upon his release give his mobile phone number to concerned IO/SHO and shall keep his mobile phone switched on all times. (vi) the petitioner shall appear before the IO/SHO on the first Monday of every alternate month at 11:00 AM. 7. In the event of there being any FIR/complaint lodged against the petitioner, it shall be open to the respondent to seek redressal by filing an application seeking cancellation of bail. 8. It is made clear that any observation made herein above is only for the purpose of deciding the present petition and the same shall have no bearing on the merits of the case. 22.07.2026 (MANISHA BATRA) Waseem R. Ansari Waseem R. Ansari Waseem R. Ansari Waseem R. Ansari JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No MOHAMMAD WASEEM ANSARI 2026.07.22 17:22 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document