SHARATH KUMAR A. R. Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is filed by the petitioner/accused under Sec. 439 of Cr.P.C., for granting regular bail in Spl.C.C.No.338/2021 (Crime No.48/2021) registered by Hassan Women Police, Hassan for the offences punishable under Ss. 363, 376, 506 of Indian Penal Code and Sec. 4 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, pending on the file Additional District and Sessions Judge, FTSC-1, at Hassan.

(2.) Heard the learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned HCGP appearing for the respondent-State.

(3.) The case of the prosecution is that on 16/03/2021 a complaint came to be filed by one Smt.Sumithra, alleging that her daughter aged about 17 years was missing from her house on 15.03.2021 at about 5.45 a.m. onwards. It is also alleged that the petitioner/accused has kidnapped the victim minor girl in the guise of marrying her. Hence, initially the case was registered against the petitioner for the offence punishable under Sec. 363 of IPC. During investigation, the police traced the victim as well as the petitioner in Bangalore on 25/06/2021, where they were living in a rented house. After the arrest, the petitioner was taken to judicial custody and while filing the charge sheet before the Court, the offences punishable under Ss. 376, 506 of IPC and Sec. 4 of POCSO Act are inserted. The petitioner has approached the Sessions Court for grant of bail, which came to be rejected. Hence, he is before this Court.