1 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRC No. 2380 of 2026 Sagar Sahu @ Karan Sahu S/o Late Narottam Sahu Aged About 21 Years R/o Gudheli, Out Post Kandarka, P.S. Berla, Distt. Bemetara, Chhattisgarh. (Description Of Applicant Mentioned As Per Charge Sheet) ... Applicant versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through The Station House Officer, Police Of Police Station Bhakhara, Distt. Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh. ... Respondent For Applicant : Mr. Anil Gulati, Advocate For Respondent/State : Mr. Afroz Khan, P.L. Hon'ble Shri Justice Sanjay Kumar Jaiswal Order On Board 25.03.2026 1. The victim and her father appeared before this Court today through virtual mode from the concerned DLSA and raised objection in granting bail to the applicant. 2. 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.87/2025 BHOLA NATH KHATAI Digitally signed by BHOLA NATH KHATAI Date: 2026.03.25 18:27:40 +0530 2 registered at Police Station Bhakhara, Distt. Dhamtari (CG) for offence punishable under Sections 137(2), 87, 64(2)(M), 65(1) of BNS and Section 6 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. 3. As per the prosecution case, the applicant, knowing well that the victim was a minor, kidnapped her from the lawful guardianship of her parents, took her to his house and committed sexual intercourse with her under the pretext of marriage. On report being lodged in this regard, the applicant was arrested on 14.08.2025. 4. Learned counsel appearing for applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and he has been falsely implicated in this case. He submits that the victim was a consenting party and she went with the applicant of her own free will. He further submits that there are total 20 witnesses, out of which only 7 have been examined, the applicant is in jail since 14.08.2025 and there is no likelihood of the trial to be concluded at the earliest. Therefore, considering all these facts the applicant may be released on bail. 5. Learned State counsel, on the other hand, opposing the bail application submits that the victim was minor, approximately 14 years old, at the time of incident, the applicant was married person at that time and considering the nature of offence, the applicant does not deserve to be released on bail. 6. Heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the case diary. 3 7. Taking into consideration the entire facts and circumstances of the case, particularly the nature and gravity of offence and the material collected and available on record against the applicant, without commencing anything on the merits of the case, this Court is not inclined to release the applicant on bail. 8. Accordingly, the present bail application stands rejected. 9. However, the Trial Court is directed to expedite the trial and to ensure that the trial is concluded as expeditiously as possible. 10. 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