MANJUNATH Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is filed under Sec. 438 of Cr.P.C., praying to enlarge the petitioner/accused No.3 on bail in the event of his arrest in respect of Crime No.178/2021 registered by Mahalakshmipuram Police Station, Bengaluru City, for the offences punishable under Ss. 364A, 120B, 419 read with Sec. 34 of IPC.

(2.) Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned High Court Government Pleader appearing for the respondent/State.

(3.) The factual matrix of the case is that this petitioner and others proclaiming that they are the Income Tax Officer kidnapped the complainant and demanded an amount of Rs.50.00 lakh and after negotiation, they agreed to an amount of Rs.20.00 lakh but the complainant had agreed to pay an amount of Rs.5.00 lakh in order to close the income tax file but the petitioners switched off the mobile of the complainant and after the complainant agreed to pay the amount on the next day, he was dropped around 1.00 p.m. near Mekhri Circle. Based on the complaint, the case was registered against unknown persons and subsequently, the case has been registered against this petitioner who has been arraigned as accused No.3.