Chhattisgarh HC Denies Bail To Woman Accused In Teak-Log Attack On Forest Guard, Citing Brain Hemorrhages Yields from CT Scan

The applicant sought regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in connection with Crime No. 140/2026, registered under Sections 296, 351(3), 115(2), 121(1), 132, 109 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, as identified in the order.

The prosecution alleged that the applicant and co-accused Manoj Bhuiya were carrying teak logs when they encountered Forest Guard Pintu Malakar, abused and threatened him, and threw a teak log at him, causing injuries.

The applicant argued that the principal allegation of assault was against the co-accused, that she had no criminal antecedents, and that the charge-sheet had been filed; she had been in custody since 11 August 2026.

The State opposed bail, relying on the alleged common intention and the seriousness of the injuries.

Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, provides the basis for the High Court’s consideration of an application for regular bail.

The Court stated that, at the bail stage, its role is confined to verifying whether a prima facie case exists; it does not determine the veracity of the prosecution allegations by examining the defence.

The Court considered the FIR’s specific allegations that the applicant and the co-accused acted with common intention and assaulted a Forest Guard performing public duties.

The case diary contained an injury report and CT findings of an extra-axial hematoma, hemorrhagic contusions and other focal hemorrhages; the District Medical Officer opined that the risk of death could not be ruled out without prompt medical attention.

Applying the prima facie standard, the Court declined to assess the truth of the allegations against the applicant in light of her defence.

It treated the nature of the injuries and the gravity of the alleged offence as weighing against bail at that stage.