1 2026:CGHC:18764 NAFR HIGH COURT OF CHHATTISGARH AT BILASPUR MCRCA No. 551 of 2026 Ramayan Sahu S/o Ramkishun Sahu Aged About 33 Years Occupation - Computer Operator, Sewa Sahakari Samiti Chandanu, Police Station- Chandanu, District- Bemetara (C.G.) ... Applicant versus State Of Chhattisgarh Through The Station House Officer, Police Station- Chandanu, District- Bemetara (C.G.) ... Respondent For Applicant : Shri Bharat Rajput, Advocate. For Respondent/State : Ms. Vaishali Mahilong, Dy.G.A. Hon'ble Shri Ramesh Sinha , Chief Justice Order on Board 23/04/2026 1. This first anticipatory bail application under Section 482 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has been filed by the applicant, who is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No.27/2026 registered at Police Station – Chandanu, District-Bemetara (C.G.) for GOURI MUDALIAR Digitally signed by GOURI MUDALIAR Date: 2026.04.24 17:00:58 +0530 2 the offence punishable under Sections 316(4), 61(2), 221, 3(5) of Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023. 2. Case of the prosecution, in brief, is that on 27.03.2026 the complainant Ramesh Thakur posted as Branch Manager, District Cooperative Central Bank Limited, Bemetara, Branch at Balsamund, lodged written report at Police Station, Chandanu, regarding shortage of 2420 bags found in Paddy Procurement Centre, Bitkuli, Sewa Sahakari Samiti Maryadit Chandanu bearing registration no. 1353. On the basis of said report, the offences U/s 316(4), 61(2), 221, 3(5) of BNS have been registered against the applicant and co-accused Shailendra Koshle, Jitendra Kumar. 3. Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the present case. It is contended that the applicant has neither committed any criminal breach of trust nor is he responsible for the alleged shortage of paddy at the Paddy Procurement Centre, Bitkuli. He would submit that the applicant was engaged only as a daily wage Computer Operator w.e.f. 01.04.2026, whereas the paddy procurement had already concluded on 31.01.2026 under the supervision of the then Incharge Samiti Manager, Jitendra Kumar, who was responsible for maintaining records and has since been suspended. The applicant was given charge only thereafter on 19.02.2026. It is further submitted that all relevant records have already been seized by the prosecution, and thus custodial interrogation is not required. It is further submitted that the applicant is a permanent resident of address mentioned in the cause title and there is no likelihood of absconding, the applicant undertakes to abide by 3 any conditions imposed by this Court, therefore, he submits that the present applicant is entitled for the benefit of anticipatory bail. 4. On the other hand, learned State counsel, appearing for the non - applicant/State, opposes the prayer for grant of anticipatory bail. 5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the materials available on record. 6. Considering the facts & circumstances of the case, submission of learned counsel for the parties, materials available on record, considering the nature of allegation against the applicant and also considering the fact that investigation and trial are likely to take some time, without commenting anything on the merits of the case, I am inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the present applicant. 7. Accordingly, the instant MCRCA is allowed and it is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicant – Ramayan Sahu, on executing a personal bond and one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the arresting Officer, he shall be released on bail on the following conditions:- (a) 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 from disclosing such fact to the Court. (b) The applicant shall not act in any manner which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial. (c) The applicant shall appear before the trial Court on each 4 and every date given to him by the said Court till disposal of the trial. (d) The applicant and the surety shall submit a copy of his adhaar card along with a coloured postcard full size photo having printed the adhaar number on it, which shall be verified by the trial Court. (e) The applicant shall not involve himself in any offence of similar nature in future. Sd/- (Ramesh Sinha) Chief Justice gouri