ABA/473/2026 of RAMCHANDRA TUKARAM BHOGAM Vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND ORS. on 19 October 2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY CIRCUIT BENCH AT KOLHAPUR CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION

CRIMINAL ANTICIPATORY BAIL APPLICATION NO. 473 OF 2026 Ramchandra Tukaram Bhogam … Applicant V/s. State of Maharashtra & Ors. … Respondents ….. Mr. Ruturaj S. with Anita Parit and Shahin Nawab for the Applicant. Dr. A. A. Takalkar, APP for the State. Ms. Uma S. Sawant for Respondent No.2. …..

CORAM

: SHAILESH P. BRAHME, J. DATE : OCTOBER 19, 2026 P.C.: . Heard both sides.

2. The interim protection was granted by this Court vide order dated 21.08.2026.

3. Learned APP informs that there is no violation of the conditions imposed upon the applicant.

4. The applicant is apprehending his arrest in Crime No. 70 of 2026 registered with Vaibhavwadi Police Station, District Sindhudurg, for offences punishable under Section 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. VRJ

5. Learned counsel, Ms. Uma Sawant, appearing for the respondent No. 2, would submit that the defence of alibi cannot be taken into consideration at this stage of the proceedings. The photographs produced in support of the defence are inconsequential. There are disputed questions of facts and the applicant is not entitled to any relief on the ground of alibi.

6. No capital can be made of the so-called delay of three months. The victim is a feeble lady and she and her husband tried to lodge the report. They were required to approach the Superintendent of Police. As against that the applicant is an influential person and the First Information Report was not lodged due to the pressure exerted by him. It is further submitted that FIR in so many words spelt out the allegations against the applicant. There is no reason for her to make allegations against the applicant. It is submitted that the applicant is having criminal antecedents. The offence registered against the husband of the victim is of no relevance.

7. Learned counsel for the applicant would submit that considering the allegations in the First Information Report, the possibility of commission of offence as alleged by the victim is improbable. Interim protection was already there, which needs to be continued. VRJ

8. I have considered rival submissions of the parties. It is already observed that interim protection granted has not been abused by the applicant.

9. It is informed by learned APP that charge-sheet has been filed.

10. In view of the supervening events, this Court did not delve with the submissions made by learned counsel appearing for the respondent-victim.

11. This anticipatory bail application is allowed by confirming the interim order passed by this Court.

12. The applicant shall continue to render cooperation for expeditious disposal of the trial.

13. The applicant shall furnish his mobile number and in case it is changed, the changed number to the Investigating Officer.

14. Learned counsel, Ms. Uma S. Sawant, who has rendered assistance to the Court, is quantified fees of Rs. 7,000/-.

(SHAILESH P. BRAHME, J.) VRJ