Mumbai, July 11, 2022 – Suhail Nasruddin Sayed, Ahmed Raza Zahid Hussain, Sayed Mohammed Atahar, Mohammed Kaif Khadri, and Muftiyaz Mohammed Basha Peerzade, accused of online loan harassment and extortion, have been granted bail by Additional Sessions Judge A.A. Kulkarni. The court ordered the accused to deposit the allegedly extorted amount of Rs. 96,000 as a condition for bail.

The five accused were arrested in connection with C.R. No. 02/2022 registered with the Cyber Cell, Mumbai. They were accused of running a loan app called “Handy Loan App” and harassing and extorting money from the complainant.

Prosecution’s Case:

The complainant alleged that he downloaded the Handy Loan App and, without his request, received a loan of Rs. 7,147. He was then subjected to harassment, threats, and morphed photographs by the accused, who demanded Rs. 96,000 within six days. The accused also contacted the complainant’s relatives and friends.

Defense Arguments:

Advocate Rajesh Khobragade, representing the accused, argued that his clients were employees of a finance company and were falsely implicated. He stated that they had neither received nor demanded any extortion money and offered to deposit the allegedly extorted amount in court.

Prosecution’s Stance:

APP Ratnavali Patil, representing the State, opposed the bail application, citing the ongoing investigation and the possibility of the accused tampering with evidence.

Court’s Observations and Decision:

Judge Kulkarni noted that the accused had shown a willingness to deposit the allegedly extorted amount of Rs. 96,000 in court. He stated that if this amount was deposited, the accused could be released on bail.

“Applicants shown readiness to deposit that amount in the Court. Therefore, I am of the opinion that if the amount of Rs.96,000/- taken by applicants through various accounts, is deposited in the Court, they may released on bail. Therefore, on said condition, application may be allowed,” Judge Kulkarni stated in his order.

Conditions of Bail:

The accused were granted bail on the following conditions:

• They must each furnish a Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond of Rs. 25,000 along with one or two sureties of the like amount.
• They must deposit Rs. 96,000 in court.
• They must attend the Cyber Cell on written notice from the investigator and cooperate with the investigation.
• They must furnish their residential address proof and the addresses and contact numbers of two close relatives to the investigating officer.
• They must not directly or indirectly influence any witnesses.
• They must not leave India without prior court permission.
• Bail to be furnished before the lower court.

Implications:

This decision highlights the court’s consideration of the accused’s willingness to rectify the alleged financial harm as a factor in granting bail. The court’s order to deposit the allegedly extorted amount aims to provide some immediate relief to the complainant and demonstrates the court’s commitment to addressing the financial aspects of the case. The stringent conditions, including cooperation with the investigation and restrictions on movement, reflect the court’s effort to balance the accused’s right to liberty with the need to ensure a fair investigation and trial.