MCRCA/1669/2026 of SURYA KUMAR PANDEY Vs STATE OF CHHATTISGARH on 7 October 2026

1. This is the first bail application filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short ‘BNSS’) for grant of anticipatory bail to the applicant who is apprehending his arrest in connection with Crime No. 21972/11 registered at Police Station Forest Range, Ramanujganj, District – Balrampur- Ramanujganj (C.G.) under Sections 9, 39, 48 (A), 50, 51 & 52 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

2. The case of the prosecution, in brief, is that on 03.08.2026, acting upon secret information, a raid was conducted in Room No. 205 of Amantaran Dharamshala, Ramanujganj. During the course of the search, three elephant tusks/jaws were recovered from the said room, BALRAM PRASAD DEWANGAN Digitally signed by BALRAM PRASAD DEWANGAN

where three persons were staying. Out of the three persons, the present applicant fled from the spot, while the other two persons were apprehended.

3. Learned counsel for applicant submits that applicant is innocent and he has been falsely implicated in this case. Applicant has not committed any offence as alleged. He submits that if the allegation is accepted with regard to presence of applicant at Amantaran Dharamshala, Ramanujganj on 01.08.2026, then also the raid is made on 03.08.2026, however, at that time applicant was not found present. Applicant has been made accused only on the basis of the memorandum statement of co-accused arrested. He submits that according to information given showing involvement of three persons in alleged crime and three persons have already been arrested. Applicant is employee of CRPF and there is no criminal antecedents against him. Hence, applicant may be extended benefit of anticipatory bail.

4. Learned State counsel opposes the submission of learned counsel for applicant. He submits that as per register name of applicant was mentioned till 01.08.2026, therefore, involvement of applicant is prima- facie appearing in the alleged crime.

5. I have heard learned counsel for parties and perused the documents placed on record.

6. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case, the nature of allegation, submission made by learned counsel for respective parties and further considering that applicant is employee of CRPF and there is no likelihood of his absconding, without commenting anything on merits of the case, I am inclined to release the applicant on anticipatory bail.

7. Accordingly, the anticipatory bail application is allowed. It is directed that in the event of arrest of the applicant in connection with the aforesaid offence, he shall be released on anticipatory bail by the officer arresting him on his executing a personal bond in the sum of Rs.25,000/- with one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the concerned arresting officer. Applicant shall also abide by the following conditions:-

(i) that the applicant shall make himself available for interrogation before the investigating officer as and when required;

(ii) that 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/her from disclosing such facts to the Court or to any police officer;

(iii) that the applicant shall not act, in any manner, which will be prejudicial to fair and expeditious trial; and

(iv) that the applicant shall appear before the trial Court on each and every date given to him by the said Court till disposal of the trial. Certified copy as per rules. Sd/- (Parth Prateem Sahu) Judge Balram