CRM-M-12327-2026 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 224 CRM-M-12327-2026 Decided on : 27.07.2026 RAVI KANT ......Petitioner Versus STATE OF HARYANA ......Respondent CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH Present: None for the petitioner. Ms. Ruchi Sekhri, Addl. AG, Haryana. **** SANJAY VASHISTH, J. 1. The instant petition has been filed under Section 483 of BNSS, 2023 (earlier Section 439 Cr.P.C.), for grant of regular bail to the petitioner, during the pendency of trial, who has been booked in a criminal case arising out of First Information Report, as detailed hereunder:- Name of Petitioner(s) FIR No. Date Section(s) Police Station District Ravi Kant, aged about 34 years 41 06.09.2024 318(4) of BNS (erstwhile 420 of IPC) [section 61(2) of BNS (section 120-B of IPC) added later on] Cyber Crime Rewari LAVISHA 2026.07.27 18:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-12327-2026 2 2. Case of the prosecution, as discussed in the FIR, reads as under:- “On 02/07/2024 I received a Friend Request from Emily Johnson (@emilyjohnson.468793) which I accepted. After that she talked to me on whatsapp no (234 8169625216) that I was unemployed and wanted to work abroad. She wanted to get me a job in USA on visa. After she agreed to get me a visa in USA, she said that your visa has been sent to the airport, after that she said that you will have to make a payment to get the visa released from the airport authority, after that she deceived me and she got a total of Rs. 14,26,500/-deposited in her different accounts. They did not give me any visa. I have sent all this money from my HDFC Bank account no. (501000103942476). Statement of which is enclosed. Kindly take action against the fraud committed against me. Applicant DHEERAJ 8295308369.” 3. On the very outset, learned State counsel has filed status report dated 22.07.2026 in the Court today and the same is taken on record. Registry is directed to tag the same at the appropriate place on the file. 4. Although there is no representation on behalf of the petitioner, but with the able assistance of the learned State counsel, this Court has examined the facts of the present case. 5. FIR in the present case, was registered, alleging therein that complainant paid a total amount of Rs.14,26,500/- to the accused LAVISHA 2026.07.27 18:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-12327-2026 3 persons, for arranging his travel to United States of America by procuring visa. 6. Learned State counsel, on instructions from ASI Arun Kumar, submits that there are total 16 bank accounts which are yet to be examined during the course of investigation. She further submits that two of the accused, namely Ravi Kant (present petitioner) and Shahrukh Ahmed, have already been arrested. It is further informed that, upon completion of the investigation, final report under Section 173 Cr.P.C. has been presented before the competent Court. 7. On a specific query put by this Court, learned State counsel, on instructions, submits that petitioner has remained inside jail since 11.06.2025, i.e., for about 01 year, 01 month and 13 days. It is further submitted that, out of the total alleged defrauded amount of Rs.14,26,500/-, a sum of Rs.2,13,000/- is alleged to have been credited to the bank account of the petitioner. However, it is fairly conceded that charges have not yet been framed and trial has not commenced. 8. This Court has heard the submissions advanced by the learned State counsel and has perused the record available before it. 9. Insofar as the allegation against the petitioner is concerned, the amount alleged to have been credited to his bank account is Rs.2,13,000/-. Petitioner has already undergone incarceration for a period of about one year and one month, in connection with the present case. LAVISHA 2026.07.27 18:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-12327-2026 4 He is stated to be 34 years of age and, as informed by ASI Arun Kumar, is not involved in any other similar criminal activity, apart from the present case. Moreover, offences alleged in the present case are triable by the Court of learned Magistrate, and conclusion of trial is likely to take considerable time. In these circumstances, continued incarceration of the petitioner for an indefinite period would not be justified. 10. Therefore, in view of totality of the facts and circumstances of the case, nature of the allegations levelled against the petitioner, period of custody already undergone by him, and the factors noticed here above, this Court deems it appropriate to extend the concession of regular bail to the petitioner in the present case. Consequently, prayer made in the present petition is allowed. Petitioner is ordered to be released on bail, subject to his furnishing bail/surety bonds to the satisfaction of the learned trial Court/ Chief Judicial Magistrate/ Illaqa Magistrate/ Duty Magistrate concerned, if not required in any other case. 11. Needless to observe that the petitioner shall not extend any threat and shall not influence any prosecution witness in any manner directly or indirectly. 12. Any of the discussion done and recorded here above, shall not be construed as an expression of opinion on the facts of the case. Therefore, trial Court is expected to decide the case by taking an independent view, on the basis of evidence available on record, as expeditiously as possible, in accordance with law. LAVISHA 2026.07.27 18:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh CRM-M-12327-2026 5 13. Petition stands disposed of. (SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE 27.07.2026 Lavisha Whether Speaking/Reasoned: YES/NO Whether Reportable: YES/NO LAVISHA 2026.07.27 18:10 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh