BA/3924/2026 of ANIKET SATISH CHARHATE Vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA on 19 October 2026

1. Heard Mr. Toshnival, learned Advocate for Applicant and Mr. Nakhawa, learned APP for Respondent-State.

2. This is an Application under Section 483 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking bail in connection with C.R. No.35 of 2026 registered with Bibvewadi Police Station, Pune for offences punishable under Sections 103(1), 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

3. The prosecution case is that, on 19th February 2026, between 12:00 noon and 12:30 p.m., the victim was confronted by Accused Nos. 1, 2 and 3 at his barber’s shop. A dispute arose between Accused No. 1, who is alleged to be the principal aggressor, and the

victim over the allegation that the victim was luring customers away. An exchange of words between Accused No. 1 and the victim escalated into a fistfight. Accused Nos. 2 and 3, who were accompanying Accused No. 1, intervened in the altercation. The landlord of the barber shop also intervened after hearing the commotion and attempted to pacify the parties.

4. The incident continued for more than one and a half hours, during which a crowd gathered at the spot. The victim sustained several injuries and was taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead. The medical evidence, prima facie, appears to be incomplete and inconclusive as to whether the cause of death was the assault or some other reason.

5. The prosecution case is based on the first information report lodged by the brother of the deceased, who was present throughout the incident that unfolded at the victim's shop and was himself one of the persons who intervened in the altercation. A copy of his statement is annexed to the present application.

6. However, insofar as the Applicant before this Court is concerned, no specific material has been brought to my notice indicating his precise role in the incident. The Applicant stands on the same footing as Accused No. 3, who has already been enlarged on bail by order dated 17th August 2026, a copy of which is annexed at page

140 of the application.

7. In view of the aforesaid circumstances, and on the ground of parity with Accused No. 3, the Applicant is also entitled to be enlarged on bail.

8. Hence, in view of above prima facie observations and findings, Bail Application of Applicant is allowed subject to the following terms and conditions:-

(i) Applicant is directed to be immediately released from prison in connection with CR. No.35 of 2026 ;

(ii) Applicant is directed to be released on bail on furnishing P.R. Bond of Rs.15,000/- (Rs. Fifteen Thousand only) with one or two sureties in the like amount;

(iii) Applicant shall report to the Investigating Officer at concerned Police Station, once every month, on the first Monday of the month between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. until commencement of trial and thereafter shall attend all dates of hearing before the Trial Court;

(iv) Applicant shall cooperate with the conduct of the trial and remain present before the Trial Court on all dates, unless specifically exempted. Applicant shall not seek

unnecessary adjournments. Any such conduct shall entitle the prosecution to apply for cancellation of bail;

(v) Applicant shall not leave the State of Maharashtra without prior permission of the Trial Court;

(vi) Applicant shall not influence any of the witnesses or tamper with the evidence in any manner;

(vii) Applicant shall keep the Investigating Officer informed of his current residential address and mobile telephone number and shall forthwith inform the Investigating Officer of any change in his residential address or mobile telephone number, as and when such change occurs; and

(viii) Any breach or infraction of any of the aforesaid conditions shall entail cancellation of the bail granted to the Applicant.

9. It is clarified that the observations made in this order are limited for the purpose of granting bail only and I have not made any observations on merits of the case. The trial shall be adjudicated on the strength of the evidence led and strictly on its own merits being uninfluenced with any of the prima facie observations made hereinabove in this order.

10. Bail Application is allowed and disposed in the above terms.

[ MILIND N. JADHAV, J. ]