Accused In Alleged ₹17.2 Lakh Stock-Trading Fraud Gets Bail As Chhattisgarh HC Cites Partial Refunds And Trial Delay

The applicant sought regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in a case registered for alleged offences under Sections 318(4), 61(2), 317(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act.

The complainant alleged that she invested ₹17,21,100 in a stock-trading scheme through the FINSOL application after joining a WhatsApp group.

The applicant and other accused were implicated in the case; the applicant had been in custody since 30 May 2026, and the charge-sheet had been filed.

The applicant had two similar criminal antecedents registered in Telangana.

The complainant had received ₹3,90,000 through a court-ordered supurdnama and ₹1,80,000 each from the applicant and three co-accused by bank drafts.

The application was considered under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which provides the basis for the High Court’s consideration of regular bail.

The alleged offences were under Sections 318(4), 61(2), 317(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act.

The Court cited no precedent or further doctrinal test; it assessed the circumstances relevant to the bail application, including completion of investigation, custody, antecedents, repayment, and anticipated trial delay.

The Court weighed the seriousness of the alleged fraud and the applicant’s two similar antecedents against the fact that the charge-sheet had been filed, the applicant had been in custody since 30 May 2026, and the trial was likely to take considerable time.

It also considered the repayments made to the complainant, including the amounts recovered through supurdnama and paid by bank drafts.

On that balance, and without expressing any view on the merits, the Court found it appropriate to grant bail.

It directed the applicant’s release on a personal bond of ₹50,000 with one surety in the like amount, to the satisfaction of the trial Court.

The applicant must not induce, threaten, or promise anything to persons acquainted with the facts; must not prejudice a fair and expeditious trial; and must attend each hearing until disposal of the case.

The Court clarified that its observations were limited to the bail application and that the trial Court must decide the case on its own merits.