Mumbai, April 9, 2025 (Thane News Network): In a significant development in the theft case at Shabnam Bakery in Kurla, the Court of Sessions for Greater Bombay has granted bail to the accused, Mr. Rashid Hausil Khan, a 42-year-old service professional residing in the vicinity of the crime. The order, passed on August 20, 2022, by Additional Sessions Judge Shri. S.D. Kulkarni in Bail Application No. 1892 of 2022, provides conditional release for Khan, who was arrested in connection with the theft registered under CR. No. 515/2022 at Kurla Police Station.

The case revolves around a complaint lodged by the owner of Shabnam Bakery, detailing a theft of ₹40,000 from the cash box. The bakery, which employs six individuals, operates between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the owner discovered the shop’s shutter open on June 4, 2022, leading to the discovery of the missing cash and the subsequent police complaint.

Following the registration of the crime, the police apprehended Rashid Hausil Khan. The prosecution’s case, as presented in court, hinged on the alleged recovery of ₹6,000 from Khan and the recorded statements of witnesses. However, the initial report filed in the case pertained to unknown individuals.

During the bail hearing, Mr. Jaiswar, the advocate representing the applicant, argued for Khan’s release. Conversely, Mr. Lade, the Additional Public Prosecutor (A.P.P.), represented the State of Maharashtra.

After a thorough perusal of the case documents and hearing arguments from both sides, Additional Sessions Judge Shri. S.D. Kulkarni delivered the order granting bail to Rashid Hausil Khan. The court noted the prosecution’s contention that Khan was arrested based on suspicion and that he had allegedly given a confessional statement leading to the seizure of a partial amount of the stolen money.

However, the court also considered that the accused had been in custody for approximately one month, suggesting that a significant portion of the investigation had already been completed. Judge Kulkarni opined that releasing the accused on bail at this stage would not impede the ongoing collection of evidence. Furthermore, the court took into account Khan’s permanent residency in Mumbai, mitigating concerns about him absconding from justice.

Consequently, the court issued the following order:

1. Bail Application Allowed: Bail Application No. 1892/2022 was granted.
2. Release on Bond: Applicant/Accused Rashid Hausil Khan was ordered to be released on a Personal Bond (P.B.) and Surety Bond (S.B.) of ₹25,000 with one or two sureties of the same amount.
3. No Tampering with Evidence: The applicant/accused was strictly directed not to tamper with prosecution witnesses or any evidence related to the case in any manner.
4. Mandatory Police Station Visits: Khan is required to attend the concerned Kurla Police Station every Sunday between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. until further orders from the court.
5. Provisional Cash Bail: A provisional cash bail of ₹25,000 was permitted. The accused is mandated to furnish the required surety within four weeks from the date of his release from jail. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the cash bail without any separate court order.
6. Travel Restrictions: The applicant/accused is prohibited from leaving India without obtaining prior permission from the court.
7. Bail Before Trial Court: The final bail conditions are to be formalized before the learned Trial Court.

The order, dictated on August 20, 2022, was subsequently transcribed and signed by the Additional Sessions Judge on August 22 and August 23, 2022, respectively. The certified true copy of the order was made available on August 24, 2022.

This bail order marks a crucial stage in the legal proceedings of the Shabnam Bakery theft case. While Rashid Khan has been granted conditional release, he remains an accused, and the investigation and trial will proceed to determine his involvement in the alleged crime. The conditions imposed by the Sessions Court underscore the importance of ensuring the accused’s presence during the trial and preventing any obstruction of justice. The requirement for regular police station visits and the travel restriction aim to keep a check on the accused’s movements and ensure his cooperation with the ongoing legal process. The next steps in the case will likely involve the filing of a charge sheet by the police and the commencement of the trial proceedings in the relevant lower court.