BLAPL/6143/2026 of MD.MANOWAR ANSARI Vs STATE OF ODISHA on 1 September 2026

1. This matter is taken up through Hybrid Arrangement (Virtual/Physical Mode).

2. Since these two bail applications arise out of one and same case record, the same are heard together and disposed of by this common order with the consent of the learned counsel for the parties.

3. These are the bail applications U/S.483 of BNSS by the petitioners for grant of bail in connection with Keonjhar Town PS Case No.140 of 2026 corresponding to GR Case No.259 of 2026 pending in the file of learned SDJM, Keonjhar for commission of offences punishable U/Ss. 338/ 336(3)/ 340(2)/ 319(2)/ 318(4)/ 111(4)/ 3(5) of BNS r/w Sec.66-C/66-D of IT Act, on the main allegation of committing organized crime by opening up mule accounts in the name of different persons and handing over the credentials of such accounts to cyber fraudsters for commission of online financial fraud.

3. Heard, Mr. Soura Chandra Mohapatra, learned Sr. counsel, who is being assisted by Mr. Sandeep Raj Panda, learned counsel for the petitioners in both the bail applications, and Mr. M.R. Patra, learned Additional Public Prosecutor in the matter and perused the record.

4. After having considered the rival submissions and taking into consideration the nature and gravity of the offences as alleged against the petitioners vis-à-vis the accusations sought to be brought against them and regard being had to the pre-trial detention of the petitioners in custody since 19.02.2025, however, there being no specific allegation against the petitioners for committing online financial fraud and the allegation of committing financial fraud being directed against other co-accused persons and keeping in view the other circumstances on record in entirety including the inherent right of the accused-petitioners to be presumed innocent until proven guilty at the trial and the absence of any criminal antecedent against the petitioners and no materials being collected to suggest that the petitioners would abscond or pose threat to the witnesses, if released on bail, this Court without expressing any view on merit admits each of the petitioners to bail.

5. Hence, the bail applications of the petitioners stand allowed and the petitioners are allowed to go on bail on furnishing bail bonds of Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty-Five Thousand) only with one solvent surety for the like amount to the satisfaction of the learned Court in seisin of the case on such terms and conditions as deem fit and proper by it.

6. Accordingly, the BLAPLs stands disposed of.

7. Issue urgent certified copy of the order as per Rules. A soft copy of this order be immediately communicated to the concerned Court, who shall afterwards communicate the same to the concerned Jail through e-mail for reference.

(G. Satapathy)

Judge Jayakrushna Digitally Signed Signed by: JAYAKRUSHNA DASH Designation: Jr. Stenographer Reason: Authentication Location: High Court of Orissa, Cuttack Date: 01-Sep-2026 19:11:36 Signature Not Verified