VEERESH V. Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Accused Nos.1 and 2 in Crime No.138/2023 registered by Bagalagunte Police Station, Bengaluru City for the offence punishable under Ss. 506, 504, 384, 420 R/w 34 of IPC are before this Court under Sec. 438 of Cr.P.C,

(2.) Heard learned counsel appearing for the parties.

(3.) On the basis of complaint lodged by one Sri Munegowda S/o Maranna on 25/5/2023, Bagalagunte Police had registered FIR in Crime No.138/2023 against four persons wherein the petitioners are arrayed as accused Nos.1 and 2 in FIR. In the complaint it is averred that, the complainant had contested for member of Legislative Assembly election that was held in the month of May, 2023 from Yelahanka constituency. On 2/3/2023, accused No.1 approached the complainant and introduced himself as a owner of the news channel and assured that he will promote complainant's candidature in the news channel in the upcoming election. Thereafter, on 13/3/2023, accused Nos.1 to 3 once again met the complainant and introduced themselves stating that they are the owners of the other news channel. The complainant allegedly paid a sum of Rs.12.00 lakhs to accused Nos.1 to 3 for promotion of his candidature in the election. It is the case of the complainant that the accused persons having received money for promoting his candidature in the election subsequently threatened to circulate the video clippings and they also allegedly extorted a sum of Rs.5.00 lakhs from him. Thereafter, they allegedly further demanded a sum of Rs.30.00 lakhs from him. It is further alleged in the complaint that certain clippings relating to the complainant were telecasted in the news channel of certain private TV channels which according to the complainant was done by accused persons and when complainant enquired about the same with the accused persons, they allegedly threatened him and also demanded amount of Rs.30.00 lakhs, failing which they allegedly threatened that his video clippings will be telecasted in other TV channel. In this background, the complainant has lodged a complaint on 25/5/2023, based on which, FIR in Crime No.138/2023 was registered by the Bagalagunte Police Station against the petitioners. Apprehending arrest in the said case, the petitioners had filed bail application in Crl.Misc.No.6360/2023 before LV Addl. City Civil & Sessions Judge, Bengaluru, which was dismissed on 14/7/2023. It is under these circumstances, the petitioners are before this Court.