GURUNATH JANGDE Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This first transit/anticipatory bail application under Sec. 482 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has been filed by the applicant, who are apprehending their arrest in connection with Crime No.451/2025 registered at Police Station - CEN Crime North Division Bengaluru, District- Bengluru (Karnataka), for the offence punishable under Ss. 66(C), 66(D) of Information Technology Act, 2000 and Sec. 318(4) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

(2.) The prosecution case, in brief, is that the complainant, who holds Bank Account No. 002290100026011 in Me Banko Alantlo and another Account No. 009399000007023 in Yes Bank in the name of the complainant's mother, states that on 4/6/2025, when he checked his mobile app, he found that some unknown persons had added him to a WhatsApp group named "VARANIUM PRO TRY-B159." The group had two administrators (phone numbers 7395980895 and 7702636887) who were posting stock market-related messages and explaining how to purchase stocks. Another person, Ishita Mehta, using WhatsApp number 7698259765, was also providing stock market information. Thereafter, the complainant was instructed to download an application named VARANIUM PRO. After installing the app, the "Customer Service Team" on the app advised him to invest money. The complainant informed his friend, Pikram Muttanna, who also invested through the same app. Both were later asked to invest money in an IPO, and they complied. However, when they attempted to withdraw their money, they were told to invest further amounts. In this manner, by misleading and inducing them step-by-step, a total sum of Rs.2,32,29,000.00 was taken from the complainant and his friend, thereby cheating them. Based on the said complaint, the CEN Crime Police, North Division, Bengaluru, District Bengaluru (Karnataka) registered FIR No. 451/2025 under Ss. 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Sec. 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 against unknown persons. The charge sheet has not yet been filed, and the matter is under investigation.

(3.) Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the offence in question. It is further submitted that the applicant has received a notice from the Police Station CEN Crime, North Division, Bengaluru, District Bengaluru (Karnataka) stating that he is wanted in connection with Crime No. 451/2025, registered at Police Station CEN Crime, North Division, Bengaluru, District Bengaluru (Karnataka), for offences punishable under Ss. 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Sec. 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. A copy of the notice has been annexed as Annexure A/1. It is further stated that the applicant is a Government employee serving as a Lecturer (Physics) at Government Higher Secondary School, Pakhnakot, Block Dharamjaigarh, District Raigarh (C.G.), which is evident from the I-Card issued by the District Education Officer, Raigarh (C.G.). A copy of the I-Card is annexed as Annexure A/3. Learned counsel also submits that one of the co-accused, namely Anusuiya Sandilya, Director of Jeevandayini Sathi Foundation, who was arrested in the same case, has been granted bail by the Learned Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bengaluru, vide order dtd. 31/10/2025. It is further contended that if the applicant, who is serving as a Lecturer (Physics), is arrested, he may lose his Government service. In view of the above circumstances, the applicant has approached this Court seeking grant of transit/anticipatory bail.