Chhattisgarh HC Grants Bail To Man Accused In Theft Of 1,995 Kg Of Power-Line Wire

The applicant sought regular bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), in a case registered under Sections 303(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).

The prosecution alleged that a drum containing approximately 1,995 kg of ACSR Panther conductor wire, valued at ₹3.5 lakh, was stolen from a transmission-line project site.

During investigation, a co-accused allegedly disclosed that he and the applicant had stolen conductor wire and concealed it at a complex in Govindpur.

The applicant submitted that he was implicated on the basis of the co-accused’s statement, had been in custody since 25 July 2026, and that the charge-sheet had been filed.

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

The State opposed bail, citing the applicant’s alleged involvement in two similar offences, but did not dispute the co-accused’s release on bail.

Section 483 of the BNSS empowers the High Court to grant regular bail.

In exercising that power, the Court considered the facts and circumstances of the case, the nature of the allegations, and the parties’ submissions.

The alleged offences were under Sections 303(2) and 3(5) of the BNS.

The Court considered the nature of the allegations alongside the applicant’s submissions that the accusation rested on a co-accused’s statement, that he had been in custody since 25 July 2026, and that the charge-sheet had been filed and trial might take time.

It also noted the State’s position concerning the alleged similar offences and the undisputed fact that a co-accused had been granted bail.

On the stated circumstances, and without expressing an opinion on the merits, the Court found it appropriate to grant bail.

The Court imposed conditions concerning adjournments, attendance, and personal appearance at specified stages of trial; it also directed that a certified copy of the order be sent to the trial court for information and compliance.