Mumbai, August 24, 2023 – Sunil Narayan Angane, a 60-year-old businessman, has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in an extortion case. Additional Sessions Judge S.M. Tapkire (Court Room No. 60) issued the order on August 22, 2023.

Angane was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 81 of 2021, registered at the Vikhroli Police Station, for offenses under Sections 387 (extortion) and 506(2) (criminal intimidation) read with 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code¹ (IPC).

Background and Allegations:

The prosecution alleged that Angane and his companion, Prasad Vitthal Pujari, threatened the complainant, Pratap Bagaram Bane, claiming to be members of the “Pujari Gang.” They allegedly extorted Rs. 6,63,250 in cash and cheques from the complainant between July 10, 2018, and January 31, 2020. They continued to abuse, threaten, and pressure the complainant for further extortion.

Arguments Presented:

• Applicant’s Argument (Angane):
  • He denied all allegations, claiming false implication.
  • The investigation is complete, and the charge sheet is filed.
  • He was arrested on December 7, 2021, and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) is not applied.
  • The transactions were hand loans, and the complainant gave them a criminal color with malafide intent.
  • Though four other crimes are registered against him, he has been granted bail in those cases and has not misused his liberty.
• Prosecution’s Argument:
  • Angane and his companion are members of the “Pujari Gang” and frequently threaten traders and shopkeepers for extortion.
  • They extorted Rs. 6,63,250 from the complainant.
  • Serious allegations and criminal antecedents exist against Angane.

Court’s Reasoning and Decision:

Judge Tapkire considered the arguments and the evidence. The court noted:

• The charge sheet has been submitted, but the trial has not commenced.
• The impugned crime is triable by the Magistrate Court.
• The applicant’s bail plea was rejected by the Magistrate Court on general grounds.
• The court found no serious reason for further custodial detention.
• Though Angane has criminal antecedents, the court decided to grant bail with stringent conditions.

Bail Conditions:

Angane was granted bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 500,000 and one or two solvent sureties of the same amount. The following conditions were imposed:

• Angane must not tamper with prosecution witnesses or evidence.
• He must report to the Vikhroli Police Station on the 5th of every month between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. until the trial concludes.
• He must attend every trial date.
• He must not engage in any criminal activity.
• He must not leave India without prior court permission.
• He must provide his residential address proof and contact numbers to the police.
• Surety compliance must be made before the Trial Court.
• The Trial Court and Vikhroli Police Station must be informed of the order.

Order Details:

The order was dictated and pronounced on August 22, 2023, and signed on August 24, 2023. The certified copy was uploaded on August 24, 2023, at 3:05 p.m.

This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the completion of the investigation, the delay in the trial’s commencement, and the imposition of stringent conditions to ensure Angane’s cooperation and prevent potential interference with the legal process.