Anticipatory bail granted on parity where allegations arose from pressure to recover investment funds.

Komal Sahu consumed poison on 17 October 2025 and died during treatment on 21 November 2025.

Following a morgue inquiry, Crime No. 130/2026 was registered at Kotwali Police Station, Rajnandgaon, for alleged offences under Sections 318(4), 108 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The applicant was implicated on the basis of a suicide note.

He submitted that the deceased had collected money for investment, including money from the applicant, and that the applicant had pursued a cheque issued by the deceased under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

He also relied on the grant of bail to a co-accused.

The State opposed the application, referring to the suicide note and the deceased’s alleged repayment to the applicant, but did not dispute that the co-accused had been granted bail.

The applicant sought anticipatory bail under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

1. Whether the applicant should be granted anticipatory bail in connection with Crime No. 130/2026

2. Whether the grant of bail to the co-accused, considered with the circumstances and allegations, supported granting the applicant anticipatory bail

Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, provides for a direction for release on bail in the event of arrest.

The alleged offences were under Sections 318(4), 108 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The Court identified no particular precedent or further legal test; it considered the facts, nature of the allegations and parity with the bailed co-accused, without expressing any view on the merits.

The Court considered the applicant’s account that the money was given to the deceased for investment and was being pursued through a cheque-dishonour proceeding, alongside the State’s reliance on the suicide note and the alleged repayment.

It also took into account that a co-accused had been granted bail.

On consideration of the circumstances and the nature of the allegations, the Court found it appropriate to grant anticipatory bail without commenting on the merits.

The Court directed that, in the event of arrest in Crime No. 130/2026, the applicant be released on anticipatory bail on executing a personal bond of ₹25,000 with one surety for the like sum.

The applicant must be available for interrogation when required, refrain from influencing persons acquainted with the case or prejudicing a fair and expeditious trial, and appear before the trial Court on each date fixed until the trial’s disposal.