RITESH RAJKUMAR PURI Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The applicant seeks regular bail in connection with Crime No.359 of 2025 dtd. 27/6/2025 registered with CIDCO Police Station, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, for the offences punishable under Ss. 8, 11(4) and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and Ss. 74, 75, 78, 318(4), 351(2) read with Sec. 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. In the said crime, the applicant was arrested on 27/6/2025. After completion of the investigation, the chargesheet has been filed on 22/8/2025.

(2.) The prosecution case is that 6/8/2025, the victim's father (the informant) discovered golden ornaments missing from his house. After an unsuccessful for the jewellery, also noticed that Rs.1.67 Lakhs had been transferred via PhonePe from his sister's account. Finding the victim's behavior suspicious, the informant questioned her. Consequently, the victim revealed that she knew the applicant, who had taken photos of her on his mobile phone. He used Instagram to message the victim thereby threatening to commit suicide, and demanded money. Frightened by these threats and fearing defamation, the victim took over 10 tolas of gold ornaments from her house and handed it to the present applicant. Allegedly, the applicant with co-accused mortgaged the ornaments with the bank and various goldsmiths, receiving money in return. Accordingly, the first information report is lodged.

(3.) The learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is falsely implicated in the crime. The material in chargesheet does not indicate a prima facie case against the applicant, and the recovery of ornaments carried out from another accused. The victim was on the verge of reaching maturity, hence, was aware of the consequences of her actions. As such, prayed to allow the application.