MAHENDRA SINGH DHANELA Vs. STATE OF UTTARAKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Applicant Mahendra Singh Dhanela @ Sonu Singh Dhanela, who is in judicial custody in connection with FIR/Case Crime No. 19 of 2025, under Ss. 109, 190, 191(3), 351(3), 352, 61(2) of BNS, 2023, registered at P.S. Dwarahat, District Almora, has sought his release on bail.

(2.) Heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the record.

(3.) As per the prosecution case, on 14/8/2025 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, Congress candidate Aarti Kirola, along with her brother Deepak Kirola and father Rajendra Singh Kirola, allegedly attempted to influence Kshetra Panchayat members who had voted in favour of the complainant. It is further alleged that when the complainant and his supporters objected, they were abused and threatened. Later, between 3:30 PM and 3:45 PM, after completion of the voting, the present applicant along with co-accused persons and other individuals said to be associated with a criminal gang arrived at the complainant's residence Hotel Apoorva in two vehicles. They allegedly entered the hotel, pointed a firearm at the complainant, and fired shots with the intention to kill him.