Mumbai, April 9, 2025 (Thane News Bureau): The Special Judge constituted under the Prevention of Corruption Act for Greater Mumbai has granted bail to Jeetendra Pandurang Khandagale, an accused in a bribery case registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Mumbai under C.R. No. 11/18. The order, passed on March 17, 2018, by Special Judge Shri A. S. Bhagwat in Court Room No. 45, allows Khandagale’s release upon furnishing a Personal Bond (P.B.) and a Surety Bond (S.B.) of ₹15,000 each.

The case originated from Remand Application No. 293 of 2018. During the bail hearing (Bail Application No. 193 of 2018), Advocate Jambaulikar, representing the accused, argued that Khandagale was falsely implicated in the offense. He emphasized that his client was a permanent resident of Mumbai and posed no flight risk.

The Ld. APP Mr. J. V. Desai, representing the State/Respondent (ACB), opposed the bail, citing the likelihood of the accused tampering with witnesses if released.

However, Special Judge Bhagwat, after hearing both sides, noted a crucial development: the investigation, as far as it required the physical custody (Police Custody Remand – PCR) of the accused, was complete. The court also acknowledged that the application for further PCR had been rejected on the same day. In light of this, the court opined that the accused could be released on bail with appropriate conditions to ensure his cooperation with the ongoing legal process.

Consequently, Special Judge A. S. Bhagwat passed the following order:

ORDER

Considering the circumstances, Bail Application No. 193 of 2018 is allowed. Accused Jeetendra Pandurang Khandagale shall be released upon executing a Personal Bond (P.B.) and a Surety Bond (S.B.) of ₹15,000 each, with one surety of the like amount, subject to the following conditions:

1. The accused shall not tamper with any prosecution witnesses in any manner.
2. The accused shall not leave India without the prior permission of this court.
3. The accused shall remain present before the Investigating Officer (I.O.) at his office every Monday between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. until the charge-sheet is filed.

Bail Application No. 193 of 2018 is disposed of accordingly.

At this stage, Advocate Jambaulikar requested the court to allow a cash bail provision until the next date, as he was unable to produce the sureties immediately. Granting this request, the court further ordered that the accused be released on furnishing a cash bail of ₹15,000 and a Personal Bond of a like amount until the next date when the surety could be produced. The Registrar of the court was directed to accept the cash bail amount from the accused even after treasury and office hours.

This order highlights the court’s consideration of the stage of the investigation as a significant factor in granting bail. With the custodial interrogation deemed complete and no further PCR granted, the court found it appropriate to release the accused on bail, albeit with conditions to safeguard the integrity of the investigation and trial. The provision for temporary cash bail further facilitated the immediate release of the accused pending the arrangement of formal sureties.