K. REVATHI Vs. STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The instant criminal petition under Sec. 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (for short 'BNSS') has been filed by the Petitioners / Accused Nos.2, 4, 6 to 9 & 11, seeking to quash the proceedings pending against them in Crime No.15 of 2025 on the file of Panjani Police Station, Chittoor District registered for the offences punishable under Ss. 318(4), 316(2), 351(2), 61(2), 111(2)(b) r/w 3(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (for short 'BNS').

(2.) The facts of the case, in brief, are that, in the month of April, 2023, when Respondent No.2, along with his relative, visited Rayalapeta Village for bank- related work, Accused No.1 acquainted himself with Respondent No.2 claiming to be a Stock Exchange Broker and induced him to invest money in the share market with an assurance of high returns. Accused Nos.2 to 7 also made similar representations. Believing the same, Respondent No.2 transferred a total sum of Rs.72,21,000.00 in different spells to the bank accounts of the Accused. It is alleged that an amount of Rs.27,51,000.00 was later returned to Respondent No.2 stating it to be profit earned in the share market. Thereafter, no further amount was paid. On being questioned, on 9/8/2024, Accused Nos.1 and 8 allegedly informed Respondent No.2 that the amount was invested in cricket betting and lost, and also threatened him with dire consequences. Based on the complaint lodged by Respondent No.2, the present crime was registered against all the Accused.

(3.) Heard Sri Siva Nagarjuna Sidhadapu, learned counsel for the Petitioners, and Ms. K. Priyanka Lakshmi, learned Assistant Public Prosecutor, appearing for the State.