(1.) This petition is filed under Sec. 439 of Cr.P.C. seeking regular bail of the petitioner in Crime No.178/2021 of Mahalakshmipuram Police Station for the offence punishable under Sec. 364A, 120B, 419 read with Sec. 34 of IPC.
(2.) Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned High Court Government Pleader appearing for the State.
(3.) The factual matrix of the case is that this petitioner and other 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 this petitioner 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 Mecri 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.5.