HANAMANT Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners have filed this criminal petition seeking to be enlarged on anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest for the offence involving Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code.

(2.) Brief facts of the case are that, on 05.03.2020 at about 3.00 p.m., when the complainant and his wife were in the house two persons unknown to them came and stated that, they have come from Bailhongal and informed the complainant that, he and his wife has to perform the puja of deities Yallamma and Dhanamma for removal of "Dosha" or else the complainant would meet with an accident. The complainant and his wife were willingly ready to perform puja as advised. Accordingly, the complainant gave Rs.23,800/- and again on 07.03.2020 at about

(3.) 00 p.m, the same persons came to the house after purchasing puja articles and performed the puja using a pot and made them put 22 grams of gold chain worth Rs.80,000/- and cash of Rs.31,001/- into the said pot. Thereafter they performed some rituals using materials purchased and directed that the pot be opened on 13.03.2020. 3. On 13.03.2020 when the complainant opened the pot at 12.30 p.m. they only found a rupee coin and a flower. Gold chain and Rs.31,000/- were missing. Thus, it was alleged that, those persons cheated the complainant which led to the complainant lodge a complaint before the jurisdictional police complaining that, two unknown persons had come into the house and indicated that, if puja is not performed, dire consequences would ensue. F.I.R also came to be registered based upon the complaint against the unknown persons. Investigation began and is continuing even as on date.