Mumbai, July 26, 2022 – Anurag Madhukar Lahankar, an interior designer, has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in connection with a theft case. Additional Sessions Judge S.D. Kulkarni granted bail, citing the lack of specific details in the First Information Report (FIR) and the ongoing interior work at the complainant’s residence.

Lahankar, 32, was arrested in connection with Crime No. 483/2022, registered at Shivaji Park Police Station, for offences punishable under Section 380 (theft in dwelling house) read with 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.

The Allegations and Defense Arguments

The complainant alleged that silver glasses and dishes were stolen from their bedroom. Lahankar, however, claimed that he was falsely implicated and that the complainant was attempting to avoid paying him Rs. 2 lakhs for interior design work. He argued that the allegations were baseless and that photographs of the residence showed it was entirely vacant, with all household articles removed, as interior work was ongoing.

Lahankar’s defense also emphasized that he had been in police custody since July 7, 2022, and that nothing had been recovered from his possession. They argued that the police had recorded statements from witnesses and that his continued detention was unnecessary.

Prosecution’s Objections and Court’s Observations

The prosecution opposed the bail application, arguing that Lahankar’s release would lead to threats against prosecution witnesses and hinder the recovery of stolen articles.

However, the court, after reviewing the application and hearing arguments from both sides, observed that the FIR lacked specific details about the stolen items. The court also noted the photographs provided by Lahankar, which showed the residence was undergoing extensive interior work and was largely vacant.

Reasons for Granting Bail

The court cited the following reasons for granting bail:

• Lack of Specific Details in FIR: The FIR vaguely mentioned the stolen items without providing exact details.
• Ongoing Interior Work: Photographs showed the residence was undergoing interior work and was largely vacant.
• No Recovery of Stolen Items: Nothing was recovered from Lahankar’s possession during police custody.
• Statements of Witnesses Recorded: The police had already recorded statements from witnesses.
• Interior Designer Profession: Lahankar is an interior designer, and his workers were doing work at the complainants house, which supports the assertion of an active work site.

Conditions of Bail

Lahankar was granted bail on the following conditions:

• He must execute a personal bond and surety bond of Rs. 50,000 with one or two sureties.
• He must not tamper with prosecution witnesses or evidence.
• He must attend the concerned police station every Sunday between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. until further orders.
• He was allowed to post provisional cash bail of the same amount, while he organizes the surety bonds, which must be completed within 4 weeks.
• Bail before the learned Trial Court.

Implications and Future Proceedings

The granting of bail to Lahankar highlights the court’s emphasis on specific details in FIRs and the consideration of circumstantial evidence. The court’s decision also reflects the importance of balancing the rights of the accused with the interests of justice. The case will proceed with further investigation and trial, where the prosecution will have the opportunity to present its evidence, and the defense will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations.