MUMBAI, INDIA – February 21, 2024 – The Sessions Court in Greater Mumbai has granted bail to Mohd. Riyaz Siddiqui, a kabab pav seller, accused of assaulting his wife and mother-in-law. The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge A.A. Kulkarni, granted bail in connection with C.R. No. 97/2024 registered at Shivaji Nagar Police Station.

Siddiqui was arrested on charges under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons¹ or means), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 506(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code² (IPC), along with sections 37(1)(A) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.

The defense, led by Advocate Kavita Powar, argued that Siddiqui was falsely implicated and that the incident stemmed from a family dispute between him and his wife, who is the complainant. They claimed there was no prima facie case against him and that he was willing to cooperate with the investigation.

The prosecution, represented by Ld. A.P.P. Ramesh Siroya, opposed the bail application, citing the severity of the allegations and the potential for Siddiqui to tamper with evidence or threaten witnesses, given that the complainant is his wife.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident occurred on February 3, 2024, when the complainant and her mother were on their way to meet a relative. The complainant alleged that a quarrel ensued due to Siddiqui’s multiple marriages and his demand that she sign certain documents. During the altercation, Siddiqui allegedly assaulted his mother-in-law with a knife, injuring her cheeks and tongue, and also assaulted his wife, causing injuries to her nose, right eyebrow, and forehead.

Judge Kulkarni, after reviewing the FIR, noted that while the allegations were serious, the medical records did not indicate grievous injuries. The court also considered the family dispute aspect of the case.

Ultimately, the court granted Siddiqui bail, subject to the following conditions:

• Bail Bond: Siddiqui was required to furnish a personal bond and surety bond of Rs. 25,000/- with one or more sureties of the same amount.
• Police Attendance: Siddiqui must attend Shivaji Nagar Police Station as and when required by the investigating officer.
• Address and Contact Information: He must provide his residential address proof and contact numbers to the investigating officer.
• No Influence on Witnesses: Siddiqui is prohibited from directly or indirectly influencing witnesses.
• Travel Restriction: He cannot leave India without prior court permission.
• Provisional Cash Bail: Provisional cash bail was allowed for eight weeks.

This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the nature of the alleged injuries, the family dispute context, and the accused’s willingness to cooperate with the investigation. The stringent conditions imposed aim to ensure the accused’s compliance with the legal process and prevent any potential obstruction of justice. The case will be monitored as it proceeds through the lower court.