1 / 3 CGHC010395812026 2026:CGHC:43711 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 1664 of 2026 • Narayan Pradhan S/o Late Bhagirathi Pradhan Aged About 42 Years R/o Village Jhagerndih P.S. Sankra, Distt- Mahasamund (C.G.) ... Applicant versus • State Of Chhattisgarh Through The Station House Officer, Police Of Police Station Sankra, Distt- Mahasamund (C.G.) ... Non-applicant For Applicant : Mr. Sudhir Kumar Sahu, Advocate For Respondent-State : Mr. Himanshu Yadu, Panel Lawyer Hon'ble Shri Parth Prateem Sahu, Judge ORDER ON BOARD 08/10/2026 1. Applicant has preferred this second application under Section 482 of Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for grant of anticipatory bail as he apprehends his arrest in connection with Crime No. 158/2026 registered at Police Station- Sankra, District Mahasamund (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 115(2), 127(2), 296, 351(2), 308(2), 308(5) and 3(5) of BNS, 2023. 2. Case of prosecution, in brief, is that on 13.09.2026 complainant, Bhupesh Sinha, lodged a report at Police Station Sankara, District Mahasamund, alleging that on 12.09.2026 at about 10:30 a.m., he had visited the Mansa Temple at village Jhagrendih along with Payal Nishad. After darshan, while they were sitting in the temple premises, applicant, claiming to be the President of the Temple Committee, along with his associates, allegedly forcibly snatched Bhupesh's mobile phone and PAWAN KUMAR JHA Digitally signed by PAWAN KUMAR JHA Date: 2026.10.09 11:03:15 +0530 2 / 3 motorcycle keys. It is further alleged that they demanded ₹51,000/- from them, and upon refusal, successively demanded ₹36,000/- and ₹21,000/-. When these demands were also refused, they allegedly demanded the gold jewellery worn by Payal Nishad, abused and threatened them with death, and assaulted them. The informant further alleged that they were kept as hostage from about 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On the basis of the complaint, aforementioned crime was registered for offences under Sections 308(2), 127(2), 296, 115(2) and 351(2), read with Section 3(5), of the BNS. During investigation, Section 308(5) of the BNS was also added. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant would submit that the allegation levelled against applicant is false and baseless. Applicant has been falsely implicated in the crime, he has not committed the offence as alleged against him. He submits that complainant was never hostaged nor any demand of money is made. He contended that there is no criminal antecedent against him, hence, he may be granted anticipatory bail. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel opposes the submission of counsel for applicant and would submit that according to the complaint/ F.I.R., applicant along with others have demanded money of ₹51,000/- and then upon refusal, successively reduced it to ₹36,000/-. Complainant has given call to police through police helpline No. 112 and when police reached the temple premises, complainant and another were released. 5. Upon putting specific query, as to from whose custody the complainant was released, learned State counsel submits that there is no such mention and no person is arrested. 6. I have heard learned counsel for the respective parties and also perused the documents enclosed along with bail application. 3 / 3 7. On due consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, nature of allegation, submission of learned counsel for the parties, and also that there is no criminal antecedent against applicant, without commenting anything on merits, I am inclined to allow this anticipatory bail application. 8. Accordingly, application is allowed and it is directed that in the event of arrest of applicant in connection with the crime in question (158/2026), he shall be released on anticipatory bail by the Officer arresting him on his executing a personal bond in the sum of ₹25,000/- with one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the concerned arresting Officer. Applicant shall also abide by the following conditions: (i) that the applicant shall make himself available for interrogation before the Investigation Officer as and when required; (ii) that 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/her from disclosing such facts to the Court or to any police officer; (iii) that the applicant shall not act, in any manner, which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial; and (iv) that 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. 9. Office is directed to send a certified copy of this order to the trial Court concerned for necessary information and compliance forthwith. Sd/- (Parth Prateem Sahu) pwn JUDGE