1 2026:CGHC:3383 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 10542 of 2025 • Pradeep Singh Thakur S/o Late Ramnaresh Singh Aged About 51 Years R/o Ward No 4, Ayodhya Nagar, Mahasamund, Police Station Mahasamund, District Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh. ... Applicant versus • State of Chhattisgarh Through Police Station Dondhi, District Balod, Chhattisgarh. ... Respondent (Cause title is taken from Case Information System) For Applicant : Mr. Mohammad Afroz Athar appeared through video conferencing. For Respondent/State : Mr. Priyank Rathi, Panel Lawyer Hon'ble Shri Ramesh Sinha , Chief Justice Order on Board 20.01.2026 1. The applicant has preferred this Second Bail Application under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for grant of regular bail, as he has been arrested in connection with Crime No. 54/2024, registered at Police Station – Dondhi, District – Balod (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 420 read with Section 34 of IPC. 2. As per the prosecution story- FIR No. 54/2024 was registered U/s 420 R/w section 34 of IPC in the Police Station-Dondhi, District VAISHALI LUCKY NAGARIA Digitally signed by VAISHALI LUCKY NAGARIA Date: 2026.01.21 14:58:18 +0530 2 Balod(CG) against Accused Madar Khan, Harendra Netam and Pradeep Thakur (Applicant) on the written complaint of Complainant Chandar Singh wherein it was alleged that the above named accused person had taken around Rs 37000000(Three Crore and seventy Lác) from 70 different persons on the pretext of providing Govt Job in the Forest Department by making those 70 persons believe that the accused Madar Khan is the Nephew of Ex-Forest Minister Mohammad Akbar. 3. It is argued by the learned counsel for the applicant that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case. He further submits that the first bail application filed by applicant was rejected by this Court vide order dated 27.03.2025 in MCRC No.1477 of 2025. It is further contended that co-accused namely Smt. Fatima Bi Khan has been granted bail by this Court vide order dated 03.12.2024 in MCRC No.8406 of 2024, co-accused Mayank Netam has also been granted bail by this Court vide order dated 24.01.2025 in MCRC No.08 of 2025 and another Harendra Netam has also been granted bail by this Court in MCRC No.9812 of 2025 vide order dated 04.12.2025. It is further submitted that the charge-sheet has been filed in this case. The applicant is in jail since 10.09.2024 and trial is likely to take quite long time for its conclusion, therefore, he prays for grant of bail to the applicant on the ground of parity. 4. On the other hand, the learned State counsel opposes the bail application. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused all of the documents available on record. 6. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case, 3 nature and gravity of allegation levelled against the applicant and the fact that co-accused namely Smt. Fatima Bi Khan has been granted bail by this Court vide order dated 03.12.2024 in MCRC No.8406 of 2024, co-accused Mayank Netam has also been granted bail by this Court vide order dated 24.01.2025 in MCRC No.08 of 2025 and another Harendra Netam has also been granted bail by this Court in MCRC No.9812 of 2025 vide order dated 04.12.2025, charge-sheet has been filed against the applicant, the applicant is in jail since 10.09.2024 and conclusion of the trial is likely to take some time, I am inclined to allow this application on the ground of parity. 7. Let applicant, Pradeep Singh Thakur, involved in Crime No. Crime No. 54/2024, registered at Police Station – Dondhi, District – Balod (C.G.) for the offence punishable under Sections 420 read with Section 34 of IPC, be released on bail on his furnishing a personal bond with two sureties in the like sum to the satisfaction of the court concerned with the following conditions:- (i) The applicant shall file an undertaking to the effect that he shall not seek any adjournment on the dates fixed for evidence when the witnesses are present in court. In case of default of this condition, it shall be open for the trial court to treat it as abuse of liberty of bail and pass orders in accordance with law. (ii) The applicant shall remain present before the trial court on each date fixed, either personally or through his counsel. In case of his absence, without sufficient cause, the trial court may proceed against him under Section 269 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. (iii) In case, the applicant misuses the liberty of bail during trial and in order to secure his presence, proclamation under Section 84 of BNSS. is issued 4 and the applicant fails to appear before the court on the date fixed in such proclamation, then, the trial court shall initiate proceedings against him, in accordance with law, under Section 209 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. (iv) The applicant shall remain present, in person, before the trial court on the dates fixed for (i) opening of the case, (ii) framing of charge and (iii) recording of statement under Section 351 of BNSS. If in the opinion of the trial court absence of the applicant is deliberate or without sufficient cause, then it shall be open for the trial court to treat such default as abuse of liberty of bail and proceed against him in accordance with law. 8. Office is directed to send a certified copy of this order to the trial Court concerned for necessary information and compliance forthwith. Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha) Chief Justice vaishali