Mumbai, February 12, 2024: In a significant development, the Sessions Court of Greater Bombay granted bail to Pathan Navid Khan Hamid Khan, a 29-year-old businessman from Beed, in connection with a cyber fraud case registered under C.R.No.02/2020 (Corresponding C.R.299/2019 Azad Maidan Police Station) at the Nodal Cyber Police Station, Mumbai.
The accused had been in custody since his arrest on November 21, 2023, facing charges under Sections 420, 468, 469, 409, and 120(b) of the Indian Penal Code, along with Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The prosecution alleged that the accused played a role in the misuse of the Maharashtra State Skill Development Society’s (MSSDS) online portal, where fraudulent training institutes were registered to siphon off government subsidies.
Case Background
The case was initiated following a complaint by an MSSDS official, who claimed that several training institutes registered under the scheme were non-existent. A probe revealed that ten such institutes were falsely registered in Beed, with forged documents uploaded to obtain government funds. Assistant Director Tausif Shaikh was identified as one of the key conspirators, allegedly registering these institutes, some of which were approved on Sundays—non-working days for government offices.
The prosecution claimed that the accused, Pathan Navid Khan Hamid Khan, was the director of Hind Skill Development Center, one of the fraudulent institutes. It was further alleged that he transferred 50% of the funds received from the government to another accused, Dashrath Phophale.
Court’s Observations and Bail Order
After hearing arguments from both sides, Additional Sessions Judge Rajesh A. Sasne noted that the accused had already undergone custodial interrogation for over two months. The court observed that co-accused Nikesh Tak, who had a similar role in the case, had already been granted bail, and thus, Khan was also entitled to bail on the grounds of parity.
Judge Sasne granted bail to Khan on the following conditions:
- The accused shall be released on furnishing a personal bond (P.B.) and surety bond (S.B.) of Rs. 25,000/- with one or two sureties.
- He must not tamper with prosecution witnesses or evidence in any manner.
- He is required to report to the concerned police station on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month until the charge sheet is filed.
- He is permitted to furnish a provisional cash bail in the same amount, with a four-week deadline to provide a surety. Failure to do so would result in the forfeiture of the cash bail.
- He shall not leave India without prior permission from the court.
Prosecution’s Opposition
The prosecution had opposed the bail plea, citing concerns about the ongoing investigation, potential tampering with evidence, and the risk of the accused absconding. However, the court was satisfied that reasonable conditions could be imposed to secure Khan’s presence during the trial.
The order, signed by Judge Sasne on February 16, 2024, marks a crucial development in the case as investigations continue into the large-scale financial fraud involving the Maharashtra State Skill Development Society.
For further updates on the case, stay tuned to legal and crime news reports.