PURAN CHAND Vs. STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Supplementary status report filed. Investigation record produced and perused.

(2.) HEARD . On the allegations regarding embezzlement ofMNREGA funds amounting to Rs. 5,60,012/ - the petitioner, who is Secretary, Gram Panchayat, Bhanera, Tehsil Karsog, District Mandi, H.P., alongwith Mehar Singh, Pradhan of the said Panchayat has been arraigned by the police of police station, Karsog, District Mandi, H.P., for commission of the offences punishable under Sections 409 and 420 IPC, vide FIR No. 44/1 2, dated 18.3.2012. Admittedly, the prayer on behalf of the aforesaid Pradhan, Mehar Singh, for bail before arrest has already been declined by a coordinate Bench of this Court. The allegations against the petitioner are that he alongwith Mehar Singh, Pradhan had issued the disputed cheques jointly and is also responsible for falsification of records. In such circumstances, I am satisfied that it shall not be safe to admit the petitioner to bail before arrest, as he is required by the police for custodial investigation.