1 2026:CGHC:16143 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 2624 of 2026 Roop Narayan Ahire S/o Shri Santosh Ahire, Aged About 24 Years R/o - Vill-Khairwar, P.S.- Mungeli, Dist.- Mungeli (C.G.) ... Applicant(s) versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through - S.H.O. P.S. Mungeli, Dist.- Mungeli(C.G.) ... Respondent(s) For Applicant : Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Advocate For Respondent/State : Mr. Sumit Singh, Dy. Adv. General Hon'ble Shri Justice Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal Order On Board 08.04.2026 1. This is the first bail application filed u/s 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for grant of regular bail to the applicant who has been arrested in connection with Crime No.530/2025 registered at Police Station Mungeli, Dist.- Mungeli (CG) for offence punishable under Sections 115(2), 296, 351(3), 3(5), 103(1), 109(1), 117(2), 61(2), 191(2), 191(3), 190 of BNS. BHOLA NATH KHATAI Digitally signed by BHOLA NATH KHATAI Date: 2026.04.09 14:43:26 +0530 2 2. As per the prosecution case, the complainant, Prafulla Sonkar, lodged a report at City Kotwali Mungeli alleging that on 11.12.2025 at about 3:30 pm, he was informed by Gendlal Sonkar that co-accused Jhamman Sapre and his family members were forcibly harvesting crops from their field in Nevaspur. Upon hearing this, the complainant along with his brothers Ajit Sonkar & Nikhil Sonkar, father Rohit Sonkar, mother Purnima Sonkar, and grandfather Janak Sonkar (now deceased) reached the field at approximately 03:45 pm and stopped the accused persons from harvesting the crop. In response, accused Jhamman Sapre, Vimal Sapre, Doojram and Dwarika acting with common intention, started hurling filthy abuses and assaulted them with sticks, iron axe and fists. As a result of which, the complainant, his parents and grandfather Janak Sonkar suffered grievous injuries. Following the complainant's report, a criminal case was registered against the applicant and other accused persons and investigation was initiated. The injured were taken to the District Hospital Mungeli for treatment and during the course of treatment, Janakram Sonkar died due to his injuries. 3. Learned counsel for applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated due to land dispute. He submits that both the Merg and the FIR specifically name four individuals as accused, with no mention of the applicant’s involvement. Furthermore, the applicant's name does not appear in the statements recorded under Section 161 of the CrPC. The 3 sole basis for the prosecution of the applicant is his identification by the injured, Prafulla and Ajit, during the Test Identification Parade (TIP). No incriminating articles have been seized from the applicant. The applicant is in jail since 23.12.2025 and there is no likelihood of the trial to be concluded at the earliest. Hence, considering all these facts, the applicant may be released on bail. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel opposes the bail application, submitting that the applicant was specifically named in the memorandum statement of co-accused, Vimal. It is further submitted that the applicant was identified by the injured during the Test Identification Parade. Hence, considering the nature of offence, the applicant does not deserve to be released on bail. However, it is fairly submitted that the applicant has no prior criminal antecedents. 5. Heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the case diary. 6. Taking into consideration the overall facts and circumstances of the case, particularly the material collected and available on record and also considering the facts that the applicant has been in custody since 23.12.2025 and there is all possibility of the trial taking considerable time for its conclusion, this Court is of the opinion that a case for grant of bail to the applicant has been made out. 7. Accordingly, the application for grant of bail is allowed. It is directed that the present Applicant shall be released on bail on his furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs.25,000/- with one 4 surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the concerned trial Court. The applicant is directed to appear before the trial Court on each and every date to be given to him by the said Court till completion of the trial. 8. Office is directed to send a certified copy of this order to the trial Court concerned for necessary information. Sd/- (Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal) Khatai JUDGE