CRLP/7989/2026 of Smt. Jayanthi Kutnari Vs The State of Telangana on 29 May 2026

O R D E R :

This Criminal Petition is filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short, “BNSS”), seeking grant of pre-arrest bail to the petitioner, who is arrayed as an accused in Crime No. 1311 of 2025 on the file of the Cyber Crimes Police Station, Hyderabad, registered for offences punishable under Sections 66-C and 66-D of the Information Technology Act, 2000, as amended in 2008, and Sections 111(2)(b), 308(2), 318(4), 319(2), 336(3), 338 and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

2. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner as well as learned Additional Public Prosecutor for respondent No.1- State.

3. The brief facts of the case are that the petitioner worked as Bank Manager of Federal Bank, Shivaji Nagar Branch, Pune, Maharashtra, during the relevant period. The allegation against her is only that she failed to properly verify the KYC documents and follow the Bank and RBI guidelines while opening a bank account, which was later allegedly used by unknown fraudsters in a cyber fraud case. Hence, the crime was registered against the petitioner.

4. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner discharged her official duties in the ordinary course of banking business and that the account opening process involves multiple levels of scrutiny and system- generated verification mechanisms. Except for the said allegation, there is no material to show that the petitioner had any nexus, conspiracy, communication, acquaintances, or financial benefit with the alleged fraudsters. The petitioner neither derived any wrongful gain nor participated in the alleged offence. He further submits that the petitioner earlier filed Crl.M.P.No.1840 of 2026 in Crime No.1311 of 2025 before learned VII Additional Sessions Judge-cum-V Additional Sessions Judge, Hyderabad, for grant of anticipatory bail. However, the same was dismissed vide order dated 13.05.2026. It is further contended that the petitioner is innocent, she never participated in the said crime and she has been falsely implicated in the said case. It is also contended that the petitioner being a bank employee facilitated opening and operation of the said account and had no direct or indirect connection whatsoever with the alleged fraudsters or the complaint. Hence, learned counsel prays this Court to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

5. Per contra, learned Additional Public Prosecutor contended that the petitioner, who is a bank employee, is arrayed as Accused No.5 in the above crime. The learned trial Court dismissed the anticipatory bail application filed by the petitioner only on the ground that the petitioner involved in cyber fraud and money laundering through bank accounts opened in violation of prescribed banking procedures. It is further contended that the petitioner, while working as Branch Manager, failed to conduct proper verification of KYC documents while opening the account allegedly used in the commission of the offence.

6. In reply, learned counsel for the petitioner contended that the petitioner, being a bank employee, has no connivance with the alleged offence and she is ready to co-operate with the investigation and abide by the conditions, if any, imposed by this Court.

7. In the light of submissions made by both learned counsel and upon perusal of the material available on record, this Court deems it appropriate to grant pre-arrest bail to the petitioner.

8. Accordingly, the present Criminal Petition is allowed on the following conditions:

1) Petitioner/accused No.5 is directed to surrender before the Station House Officer,

Cyber Crimes Police Station, DD, Hyderabad, on 01.06.2026 before 01:00 p.m., and on such surrender, the said Station House Officer shall release her on bail on executing a personal bound for Rs.25,000/- with two sureties, for the like sum each to the satisfaction of Cyber Crimes Police Station, DD, Hyderabad.

2) Petitioner/accused No.5 shall appear before the concerned Investigating Officer on every Sunday between 10.00 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. for a period of six (6) weeks or till filing of charge sheet whichever is earlier, for the purpose of investigation, and thereafter, as and when required.

3) Petitioner/accused No.5 shall abide by the other conditions stipulated in Section 482(2) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhitha, 2023 and co-operate with the investigating officer in investigating the case.

Miscellaneous applications, pending if any, shall stand closed. ___________________________________________ JUSTICE SUDDALA CHALAPATHI RAO

Date: 29.05.2026 BB

THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE SUDDALA CHALAPATHI RAO

CRIMINAL PETITION No.7989 of 2026 Dt.29.05.2026

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