VINAY KUMAR CHOUBEY Vs. STATE OF JHARKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This matter was taken up yesterday. Mr. Ajit Kumar Singh, learned counsel for the petitioner had concluded his arguments and, thereafter, Mr. Abhishek Krishna Gupta, learned counsel appearing for the ACB had started his arguments, however, the same was not over and, therefore, the matter has been posted for today and Mr. Abhishek Krishna Gupta has concluded his arguments today and, thereafter, Mr. Ajit Kumar Singh has replied to the argument of the learned counsel for the ACB.

(2.) This petition has been filed challenging the remand order dtd. 20/5/2025 passed by the learned Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Ranchi in connection with A.C.B. Ranchi P.S. Case No.09/2025. The further prayer is made for quashing and setting-aside the arrest of the petitioner, whereby, the learned Special Judge remanded the petitioner for the offence punishable under Ss. 120-B read with 420/467/468/471/409/107/109 of the Indian Penal Code (corresponding Sec. of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Sec. 61 read with 318/336/340/316/45 and 49) and Sec. 7(c)/12/13(2) read with 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The prayer is also made to release the petitioner forthwith from the custody.

(3.) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has investigated the matter and the officials of the Excise and Prohibition Department and Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited and two private placement agencies, primarily selected by the Excise and Prohibition Department, Jharkhand, Ranchi, namely, (1) M/s. Vision Hospitality Services and Consultants Private Limited and (2) M/s. Marshan Innovative Security Services Private Limited, in collusion, have allegedly engaged in forgery, used fake bank guarantees to tarnish the reputation of the concerned bank, committed fraud, cheated the Government, manipulated documents, and caused financial loss to the State exchequer to the tune of approximately Rs.38.00 Crores while securing illegal benefits through collective criminal conduct, in violation of prescribed tender and audit regulations.