Mumbai, February 23, 2024 – The Sessions Court for Greater Bombay has granted bail to Lokesh Rajesh Poojari, a 21-year-old resident of Mankhurd, who was arrested in connection with an assault and harassment case. The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Dr. Gauri Kawdikar, allowed the bail application subject to several conditions.

Poojari was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 36 of 2024, registered at the Mankhurd Police Station, for offenses punishable under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace),¹ and 506-II (criminal intimidation) read with Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code.²

According to the First Information Report³ (FIR), on February 6, 2024, at around 11:00 PM, the complainant and her husband were walking after dinner when Poojari and a co-accused allegedly attacked the complainant’s husband, causing injury to his leg. The co-accused reportedly touched the complainant’s chest, and Poojari allegedly assaulted the husband further and threatened bystanders with a bamboo stick.

Poojari’s defense, presented by Advocate Satish Sakat, argued that he was falsely implicated and had no significant role in the alleged offenses. He emphasized that the offenses carry a punishment of less than seven years and that Poojari was willing to abide by any conditions imposed by the court.

The prosecution, represented by Additional Public Prosecutor Meera Choudhari, opposed the bail, citing Poojari’s prior offenses, his alleged role in causing terror in the locality, and the absconding status of the co-accused. They argued that granting bail could disturb law and order, lead to witness intimidation, and hinder the investigation.

Judge Kawdikar, in her order, noted the specific role attributed to Poojari in the FIR: assaulting the complainant’s husband and threatening bystanders with a bamboo stick. She also acknowledged Poojari’s prior offenses but emphasized that this alone is not sufficient grounds for denying bail. The court also noted that the spot panchanama was complete.

Considering the nature of the offenses, the punishment prescribed, and Poojari’s permanent residence in Mumbai, the court concluded that continued incarceration was unnecessary. To address concerns about witness intimidation and ensure Poojari’s presence for trial, the court imposed several conditions.

“Taking into consideration the role of the accused, punishment for the same, punishment for all offences is less than 7 years, all offences are triable by Metropolitan Magistrate; it is held that continued incarceration of the accused is not required,” Judge Kawdikar stated.

Consequently, the court granted bail to Lokesh Rajesh Poojari, subject to the following conditions:

• Personal Bond (P.R.) and Surety Bond: Poojari must execute a P.R. Bond of Rs. 50,000/- with one or more sureties of the same amount.
• No Tampering with Evidence: He must not tamper with prosecution witnesses or evidence.
• Police Attendance: He must attend the Mankhurd Police Station on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM until the charge sheet is filed.
• No Future Offenses: He must not commit any offenses in the future.
• Travel Restrictions: He must not leave India without permission of the court.
• Contact Information: He must provide his permanent and temporary addresses and contact details to the police.
• No Contact with Complainant: He must not contact the complainant, her family, or witnesses by any means until the trial concludes.
• Address Changes: He must inform the investigating officer and the court of any changes to his residential address.
• Bail Before Metropolitan Magistrate: Bail will be executed before the Metropolitan Magistrate.
• Breach of Conditions: Breach of any condition could lead to cancellation of bail.

The court’s decision balances the need for investigation and prosecution with the individual’s right to liberty, imposing conditions to mitigate potential risks. The Mankhurd Police Station will continue its investigation.