V.F.KANTHI Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This criminal petition is filed by the petitioner - accused under Section 438 of Cr.P.C., seeking anticipatory bail in Kakati P.S. Crime No.119/2019 for the alleged offence punishable under Section 420 of IPC.

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

(3.) The factual matrix of the case are as follows: It is stated in the complaint that one Girish Danappa Halakude, Deputy Range Forest Officer (Research Wing), Belagavi, being the complainant filed a compliant against the accused alleging that during the period 2009-10 to 2011-12, the accused was entrusted with planting and distribution of saplings under Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guaranty Scheme. During the audit period, it came to the notice that the petitioner - accused has cheated the Government by misappropriating a sum of Rs.12,93,322/-. Accordingly, the complainant filed the complaint before the respondent - Police as per the directions issued by the State Government. Based upon the complaint, the crime came to be registered and thereafter proceeded with the case for investigation by the Investigating Officer for the aforesaid offence.