MUMBAI, May 3, 2024 — A Mumbai Sessions Court has granted regular bail to Abhishek Prabhashankar Yadav, who was arrested in connection with a daylight chain-snatching incident registered under Section 392 (Robbery) of the Indian Penal Code. The bail was allowed primarily because the police investigation was complete, the stolen items had been recovered, and the accused did not have a prior criminal record.
Additional Sessions Judge Dr. A. A. Joglekar (C.R. No.37) issued the order on April 30, 2024, releasing Yadav on a Personal Recognizance (P. R.) bond of Rs. 30,000/− with one or two sureties in the like amount.
Theft Investigated via CCTV and Location Tracking
The case relates to C.R. No. 34 of 2024 registered with RAK Marg Police Station. The prosecution alleged that on January 27, 2024, at about p.m., while the informant was walking on D. G. Mahajani Road, an individual suddenly snatched her Mangalsutra and gold chain before fleeing the spot.
Initially, the offense was registered against an unknown person. The court noted that the police subsequently identified the accused, Abhishek Yadav, through a detailed investigation that involved scrutinizing CCTV footage of the relevant area and cross-checking the accused’s location at the spot.
Bail Allowed on Grounds of Completed Investigation and Recovery
The defense counsel, Mr. Anajaykumar R. Kori, argued that the applicant was falsely implicated, arrested based on suspicion, and that since the investigation was concluded with the filing of the charge-sheet, further judicial custody was unnecessary.
The prosecution, led by Ld. APP Mr. Abhijeet Gondwal, opposed the application, stating that the offense was serious, the accused did not reside in Mumbai, and there was a possibility he might commit similar offenses, abscond, or tamper with evidence.
However, the Court highlighted key facts supporting the grant of bail:
- The recovery of the stolen property (Mangalsutra and gold chain) had already been effected by the investigating agency.
- The prosecution “has not stated for any such abysmal track record to the discredit of the applicant/accused,” indicating the absence of a criminal history.
- The charge-sheet has been filed, signifying that the primary objective of the investigation has been met.
The Judge concluded that while the prosecution’s apprehension regarding the accused absconding or tampering with evidence was valid, it could be addressed by imposing “stringent conditions.”
Strict Conditions Imposed
To mitigate the risk of absconding and interference, the court imposed rigorous conditions on Abhishek Yadav’s release:
- The accused shall attend the RAK Marg Police Station on every Tuesday and Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. until further order.
- He is prohibited from making any inducement, threat, or promise to witnesses or tampering with prosecution evidence.
- The accused must surrender his passport to the investigating officer or furnish an affidavit confirming he does not possess one.
- He shall not leave India without the Court’s permission.
The order explicitly warned that any breach of these conditions will result in the cancellation of bail forthwith. Criminal Bail Application No. 1063 of 2024 was disposed of accordingly.