A Mumbai Special Court has granted bail to Rambabu Jitram Yadav, a 23-year-old driver from Meera Road (E), Thane, who was arrested in connection with a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Worli, Mumbai (C.R. No. 01/2019). The order, issued by Special Judge S.J. Biyani on January 7, 2019, allows Yadav’s release on a personal recognizance (PR) bond of Rs. 50,000 with a solvent surety of the like amount.

Yadav, who identifies himself as a hotel employee and part-time driver with a permanent residence, maintained his innocence, stating he was in no way connected to the alleged offense. His legal representation, Mrs. Nilima Kasture and Mr. Abhijit Mantri, assured the court of his willingness to abide by any imposed conditions.

The ACB, represented by Learned APP Mr. S.E. Soshte, opposed the bail application. The prosecution argued that Yadav was a person in whom co-accused Anand had confidence and that Yadav possessed detailed information about Anand’s properties. They expressed concern that if released, Yadav might destroy documents related to these properties, especially since the investigation was still in its primary stage.

However, after reviewing the submissions and hearing both sides, Special Judge Biyani acknowledged the prosecution’s main concern about the destruction of documents. The court concluded that this concern could be addressed by imposing specific conditions on Yadav, and that keeping him in jail would not serve any further investigative purpose.

Consequently, the court allowed Bail Application No. 6 of 2019, subject to the following conditions:

• Yadav must remain present before the investigating officer at the Anti-Corruption Bureau on every Monday and Friday between 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. to facilitate the investigation, until the charge sheet is filed.
• He shall not directly or indirectly induce or threaten any person acquainted with the facts of the case to dissuade them from disclosing information to the investigating officer.
• He shall not tamper with prosecution witnesses in any way.
• He must submit his ID proof to the authorities.

Both Bail Application No. 6 of 2019 and ACB Remand Application No. 5 of 2019 were disposed of with this order. The ruling was signed on January 7, 2019, and uploaded on the same day.