Mumbai, March 15, 2024 – Rajendra Bhimrao Shirsat, a 59-year-old businessman, has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in an extortion case. Additional Sessions Judge Rajesh A. Sasne (Court Room No. 30) issued the order on March 12, 2024.

Shirsat was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 09/2024, registered at the DCB CID Unit-9, Mumbai (corresponding to C.R. No. 109/2024 at Bandra Police Station), for offenses under Sections 386 (extortion), 387 (putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion), 506(II) (criminal intimidation), and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Background and Allegations:

The complainant, a construction businessman, alleged that he was threatened and extorted by Satish Dhanuka and others, including Shirsat, in connection with a real estate development dispute. The complainant had an agreement with Satish Dhanuka’s firm, M/s. Satish Enterprises, which was later terminated. The complainant was then approached by individuals claiming to have connections with the Enforcement Directorate (ED), who demanded Rs. 164 crores to settle the dispute, threatening him with ED proceedings and even death. Shirsat was allegedly present during a meeting where these threats were made.

Arguments Presented:

Advocate Parth, representing Shirsat, argued that he was falsely implicated, had no criminal antecedents, had cooperated with the investigation, and had been in custody since February 22, 2024.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Iqbal Solkar, representing the State, opposed the bail, arguing that Shirsat’s release would affect the collection of evidence, pose a flight risk, and lead to witness tampering.

Court’s Reasoning and Decision:

Judge Sasne reviewed the documents and arguments. He noted that Shirsat was arrested on February 22, 2024, and the alleged monetary demand arose from previous monetary transactions between Satish Dhanuka and the complainant. The court also considered the anticipatory bail granted to Satish Dhanuka.

The court observed that Shirsat’s role was limited to being present at the meeting where the alleged threats were made. Given that Shirsat had been in custody for a significant period and no further recoveries were pending, the court concluded that further incarceration was unwarranted. The court also noted that the investigation concerning Shirsat appeared to be complete.

Bail Conditions:

Shirsat was granted bail upon furnishing a personal bond and surety bond of Rs. 30,000 with one or two sureties. The following conditions were imposed:

• Shirsat must not tamper with prosecution witnesses or evidence.
• He must attend the police station on the second Saturday of every month between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. until the charge sheet is filed.
• He was granted provisional cash bail of Rs. 30,000 and must furnish surety within four weeks, failing which the cash bail will be forfeited.
• He must not leave India without prior permission from the court.
• Bail to be furnished before the Magistrate.

Order Details:

The order was dictated on March 12, 2024, transcribed on March 13, 2024, and signed on March 14, 2024. The certified copy was uploaded on March 15, 2024, at 5:44 p.m.

This decision reflects the court’s consideration of Shirsat’s limited role, the completion of the custodial investigation, and the imposition of conditions to ensure his cooperation and prevent potential interference with the legal process.