IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.225 of 2026 Sankar Panda …. Petitioner Mr. T. Panigrahi, Advocate -Versus- State of Odisha …. Opposite Party Ms. S. Nayak, ASC CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 13.01.2026 01. 1. Heard Mr. Panigrahi, learned counsel for the petitioner and Ms. Nayak, learned ASC for the State. 2. Instant petition under Section 482 BNSS is filed for pre-arrest bail of the petitioner in connection with Jeypore Sadar P.S. Case No.352 of 2025 corresponding to G.R. Case No.1304 of 2025 pending in the file of learned S.D.J.M., Jeypore on the grounds stated therein. 3. From the FIR at Annexure-1, this Court finds that some iron rods while being transported in an Auto Rickshaw, it was intercepted. It is submitted by Mr. Panigrahi, learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner is not the driver of the said vehicle. As per the FIR, the culprits transporting the iron rods managed to flee from the spot. It is claimed that the petitioner apprehends his arrest in view of the report lodged i.e. Annexure-1 in connection with the incident. One of the accused persons, namely, Subash Harijan has been directed to be released on bail by this Court’s order dated 8th January, 2026 in ABLAPL No.84 of 2026, a copy of which is at Flag-B. It is informed to the Court that the driver of the Auto Rickshaw is also on bail. Considering the above facts and the fact that the petitioner is claimed to have no similar antecedent and release of two other co-accused persons connected to the case, this Court though not inclined to grant him pre-arrest bail but is of the view that the petitioner should be directed to be released on bail upon surrender before the court concerned with suitable conditions imposed. 4. Accordingly, it is ordered. 5. In the result, ABLAPL stands disposed of with the direction as aforesaid. It is further directed that in the event, the petitioner surrenders before the court of learned S.D.J.M., Jeypore within a fortnight from today, he shall be released on bail in connection with Jeypore Sadar P.S. Case No.352 of 2025 corresponding to G.R. Case No.1304 of 2025 subject to him furnishing bail bond of Rs.30,000/- (Rupees thirty thousand) with one solvent surety for the like amount to the satisfaction of the learned court below, which shall be at liberty to impose such other suitable conditions as deemed just and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case besides the following, such as, he shall cooperate the I.O. during investigation till the same is concluded. It is further directed that the above order shall not be given effect to, if upon an enquiry, it is revealed that the petitioner is having criminal antecedent of similar nature. 6. Issue urgent certified copy as per rules. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge Alok