CRM-M-20660 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT (315) DEVENDER @ MONU STATE OF HARYANA CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Present: M Mr. Neeraj Poswal, AAG, Haryana **** MANISHA BATRA, J. (ORAL) 1. The 483 of Bharatiya grant of regular bail in case registered under Sections 318(4) (for short “BNS”) Cyber Crime Narnaul 2. As per the allegations received that the accused Devender @ Monu in commission of cyber crimes by being a member of cyber fraudsters and he had opened a bank account in SBI Bank, Ateli Mandi Branch, wherein money received by way of committing cyber frauds had been credited. On receipt of this information, concerned Bank was contacted who verified that a bank account was operative in the name of 20660-2026 (O&M) 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM Date of decision : DEVENDER @ MONU Versus STATE OF HARYANA HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Mr. Rao Ajender Singh, Advocate for the petitioner Mr. Neeraj Poswal, AAG, Haryana **** MANISHA BATRA, J. (ORAL) The instant petition has been filed by the petitioner under Section Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short “BNSS”) grant of regular bail in case arising out of FIR No.16 dated 14.05.2025 gistered under Sections 318(4) and 61(2) of (for short “BNS”) (Section 238(C) of BNS added later on) Narnaul, District Mahendergarh. As per the allegations, on 14.05.2025, a secret information was received that the accused Devender @ Monu in commission of cyber crimes by being a member of cyber fraudsters and he had opened a bank account in SBI Bank, Ateli Mandi Branch, wherein money received by way of committing cyber frauds had been credited. On receipt of this information, an inquiry was conducted. The Branch Manager of the concerned Bank was contacted who verified that a bank account was operative in the name of petitioner and several complaints were received qua IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-20660-2026 (O&M) Date of decision : 28.07.2026 ... Petitioner ...Respondent HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANISHA BATRA Advocate for the petitioner Mr. Neeraj Poswal, AAG, Haryana filed by the petitioner under Section Sanhita, 2023 (for short “BNSS”) for arising out of FIR No.16 dated 14.05.2025 and 61(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Section 238(C) of BNS added later on) at Police Station , District Mahendergarh. on 14.05.2025, a secret information was i.e. the petitioner was involved in commission of cyber crimes by being a member of cyber fraudsters and he had opened a bank account in SBI Bank, Ateli Mandi Branch, wherein money received by way of committing cyber frauds had been credited. On receipt of uiry was conducted. The Branch Manager of the concerned Bank was contacted who verified that a bank account was several complaints were received qua filed by the petitioner under Section for arising out of FIR No.16 dated 14.05.2025 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 at Police Station on 14.05.2025, a secret information was volved in commission of cyber crimes by being a member of cyber fraudsters and he had opened a bank account in SBI Bank, Ateli Mandi Branch, wherein money received by way of committing cyber frauds had been credited. On receipt of uiry was conducted. The Branch Manager of the concerned Bank was contacted who verified that a bank account was several complaints were received qua AMIT SHARMA 2026.07.28 14:49 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment. CRM-M-20660 that bank account and that the said bank account had been frozen a basis of the record, it was revealed that till date was credited in the bank account and Rs.10,58,482/ complaints were found to have been lodged in the portal of NCRP with regard to the said bank fraud of crores of rupees were made. The 14.05.2025. He was interrogated and admitted his involvement gang of cyber fraudsters. Narender and Surinder were nominated as accused, who were subsequently arrested. Investigation now stands concluded. 3. It is argued by learned counsel for the petitioner that he has been falsely impicated in this case from any victim. There is no allegation against him that he used to or had induced any person whatsoever by using phone or any other online media. The case is based on documentary evidence and all the relevant documents have already been taken into possession by the investigating agency. The subject offences are triable by Magistrate. He is in custody since 14.05.2025. His continued detention would not serve any useful purpose. He is not involved in any other case of time to conclude. It is, therefore, argued he and the petition deserves to be allowed. 4. Per contra, learned State counsel and specific allegations against the petitioner who had 20660-2026 (O&M) 2 that bank account and that the said bank account had been frozen a basis of the record, it was revealed that till date was credited in the bank account and Rs.10,58,482/ complaints were found to have been lodged in the portal of NCRP with regard to the said bank account and in such complaints allegations of committing of fraud of crores of rupees were made. The . He was interrogated and admitted his involvement gang of cyber fraudsters. On his disclosure and Surinder were nominated as accused, who were subsequently arrested. Investigation now stands concluded. It is argued by learned counsel for the petitioner that he has been falsely impicated in this case by the Police without receipt of any complaint from any victim. There is no allegation against him that he used to or had induced any person whatsoever by using phone or any other online media. The case is based on documentary evidence and all the relevant documents have already been taken into possession by the investigating agency. The subject offences are triable by Magistrate. He is in custody since 14.05.2025. His continued detention would not serve any useful purpose. He is not involved in any other case of similar nature. The trial will take considerable time to conclude. It is, therefore, argued he and the petition deserves to be allowed. Per contra, learned State counsel and specific allegations against the petitioner who had that bank account and that the said bank account had been frozen also. On the basis of the record, it was revealed that till date, an amount of Rs.10,55,079/- was credited in the bank account and Rs.10,58,482/- was debited. Six complaints were found to have been lodged in the portal of NCRP with regard account and in such complaints allegations of committing of fraud of crores of rupees were made. The petitioner was apprehended on . He was interrogated and admitted his involvement in joining the On his disclosure, 02 more persons namely and Surinder were nominated as accused, who were subsequently arrested. Investigation now stands concluded. It is argued by learned counsel for the petitioner that he has been e without receipt of any complaint from any victim. There is no allegation against him that he used to or had induced any person whatsoever by using phone or any other online media. The case is based on documentary evidence and all the relevant documents have already been taken into possession by the investigating agency. The subject offences are triable by Magistrate. He is in custody since 14.05.2025. His continued detention would not serve any useful purpose. He is not similar nature. The trial will take considerable time to conclude. It is, therefore, argued he deserves to be released on bail Per contra, learned State counsel has argued that there are serious and specific allegations against the petitioner who had given mule accounts of lso. On the - Six complaints were found to have been lodged in the portal of NCRP with regard account and in such complaints allegations of committing of was apprehended on joining the 02 more persons namely and Surinder were nominated as accused, who were subsequently It is argued by learned counsel for the petitioner that he has been e without receipt of any complaint from any victim. There is no allegation against him that he used to or had induced any person whatsoever by using phone or any other online media. The case is based on documentary evidence and all the relevant documents have already been taken into possession by the investigating agency. The subject offences are triable by Magistrate. He is in custody since 14.05.2025. His continued detention would not serve any useful purpose. He is not similar nature. The trial will take considerable deserves to be released on bail there are serious of AMIT SHARMA 2026.07.28 14:49 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment. CRM-M-20660 other persons and purpose of receipt of cyber fraud money by being a member of gang cyber fraudster him to the co online cyber complaints have been registered against the bank account of the petitioner and other accounts provided by him. H as he is involved in 02 other cases registered under the provisions of Excise Act and IPC at Police Station Ateli. does not deserve to be allowed. 5. This Court has heard the rival su counsel for the parties at considerable length. 6. The petitioner is alleged to have co-accused for cheating and defrauding public persons by using his own bank account as a mule account as well a persons for the purpose of facilitating transaction of money received by commission of acts of fraud. The allegations against him clearly indicate his involvement in the organized manner in which the offence was allegedly committed and the petitioner’s alleged role levelled against him. organized cyber fraud wherein banking channels have formed a crucial link in execution of crime. innocent public persons being duped of their hard earned money. 20660-2026 (O&M) 3 other persons and even had also operated his own bank account for the purpose of receipt of cyber fraud money by being a member of gang cyber fraudsters. Out of greed of money, these accounts were provided by him to the co-accused Narinder and Surinder online cyber complaints have been registered against the bank account of the petitioner and other accounts provided by him. H as he is involved in 02 other cases registered under the provisions of Excise Act and IPC at Police Station Ateli. It is, therefore, urged that the petition does not deserve to be allowed. This Court has heard the rival su counsel for the parties at considerable length. The petitioner is alleged to have accused for cheating and defrauding public persons by using his own bank account as a mule account as well as by procuring bank accounts of different persons for the purpose of facilitating transaction of money received by commission of acts of fraud. The allegations against him clearly indicate his involvement in the operational layer of a well ed manner in which the offence was allegedly committed and the petitioner’s alleged role prima facie reflect the seriousness of the allegations levelled against him. The petitioner prima facie organized cyber fraud wherein banking channels have formed a crucial link in execution of crime. Such like cases are on rise and everyday one hears about innocent public persons being duped of their hard earned money. had also operated his own bank account for the purpose of receipt of cyber fraud money by being a member of gang run by s. Out of greed of money, these accounts were provided by accused Narinder and Surinder in lieu of commission. 36 online cyber complaints have been registered against the bank account of the petitioner and other accounts provided by him. His antecedents are not clean as he is involved in 02 other cases registered under the provisions of Excise It is, therefore, urged that the petition This Court has heard the rival submissions made by learned The petitioner is alleged to have joined the cyber fraudsters i.e. accused for cheating and defrauding public persons by using his own bank s by procuring bank accounts of different persons for the purpose of facilitating transaction of money received by commission of acts of fraud. The allegations against him clearly indicate his rational layer of a well-organized cyber fraud. The ed manner in which the offence was allegedly committed and the reflect the seriousness of the allegations prima facie appears to be a part of an organized cyber fraud wherein banking channels have formed a crucial link in Such like cases are on rise and everyday one hears about innocent public persons being duped of their hard earned money. The offence had also operated his own bank account for the run by s. Out of greed of money, these accounts were provided by commission. 36 online cyber complaints have been registered against the bank account of the is antecedents are not clean as he is involved in 02 other cases registered under the provisions of Excise It is, therefore, urged that the petition bmissions made by learned joined the cyber fraudsters i.e. accused for cheating and defrauding public persons by using his own bank s by procuring bank accounts of different persons for the purpose of facilitating transaction of money received by commission of acts of fraud. The allegations against him clearly indicate his . The ed manner in which the offence was allegedly committed and the reflect the seriousness of the allegations appears to be a part of an organized cyber fraud wherein banking channels have formed a crucial link in Such like cases are on rise and everyday one hears about ce AMIT SHARMA 2026.07.28 14:49 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment. CRM-M-20660 in question is not an isolated act but is part of an organized cyber fraud wherein banking channels forms a crucial link in execution of the crime. Cyber crimes are steadily increasing and have a deep society targeting unsuspecting digital platforms. Such offences are serious economic crimes, effecting not only the victim but the financial system at large and, therefore, require a strict approach at the stage of grant of bail. Keeping in v facts, this Court is of the considered opinion that the petition does not deserve to be allowed. Accordingly, the same is dismissed. 7. It is made clear that any observation made herein above is only for the purpose of deciding th bearing on the merits of the case. 8. Since the main petition has been dismissed if any, is rendered infructuous. 28.07.2026 Amit Sharma 20660-2026 (O&M) 4 in question is not an isolated act but is part of an organized cyber fraud wherein banking channels forms a crucial link in execution of the crime. Cyber crimes are steadily increasing and have a deep society targeting unsuspecting citizens and eroding public confidence in digital platforms. Such offences are serious economic crimes, effecting not only the victim but the financial system at large and, therefore, require a strict approach at the stage of grant of bail. Keeping in v facts, this Court is of the considered opinion that the petition does not deserve to be allowed. Accordingly, the same is dismissed. 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. Since the main petition has been dismissed if any, is rendered infructuous. (MANISHA BATRA) Whether speaking/reasoned:- Whether reportable:- Yes/No in question is not an isolated act but is part of an organized cyber fraud wherein banking channels forms a crucial link in execution of the crime. Cyber crimes are steadily increasing and have a deep-rooted impact on the citizens and eroding public confidence in digital platforms. Such offences are serious economic crimes, effecting not only the victim but the financial system at large and, therefore, require a strict approach at the stage of grant of bail. Keeping in view the above discussed facts, this Court is of the considered opinion that the petition does not deserve to be allowed. Accordingly, the same is dismissed. It is made clear that any observation made herein above is only e present petition and the same shall have no Since the main petition has been dismissed, pending application, (MANISHA BATRA) JUDGE - Yes/No in question is not an isolated act but is part of an organized cyber fraud wherein banking channels forms a crucial link in execution of the crime. rooted impact on the citizens and eroding public confidence in digital platforms. Such offences are serious economic crimes, effecting not only the victim but the financial system at large and, therefore, require a strict iew the above discussed facts, this Court is of the considered opinion that the petition does not deserve It is made clear that any observation made herein above is only e present petition and the same shall have no pending application, AMIT SHARMA 2026.07.28 14:49 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this order/judgment.