Mumbai, February 26, 2024 – Ajitkumar Radhesyam Maurya has been granted bail by the Sessions Court in Greater Mumbai in connection with an alleged abduction case. Additional Sessions Judge Smt. N.S. Shaikh allowed Maurya’s bail application (Bail Application No. 407 of 2024), considering the victim’s testimony and the completion of the initial investigation.

Maurya was arrested in connection with Crime No. 29 of 2024, registered at Tardeo Police Station, under Section 366 (kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage, etc.) read with Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Prosecution’s Case:

The case originated from a missing person report filed by the victim’s mother on January 13, 2024. The complainant reported that her 19-year-old daughter, who was studying in London and visiting India for Christmas vacation, had left for the airport to return to London but disappeared en route. The mother suspected that Bajrang Maurya and his friends had taken her daughter with the intention of marrying her. During the investigation, Ajitkumar Radhesyam Maurya was arrested on January 24, 2024, and remanded to judicial custody on February 1, 2024. The prosecution alleged that a mobile phone and gold ornaments worth ₹9,50,000 were seized from Maurya.

Defense Arguments:

Maurya’s advocate, Yusuf Ansari, argued that his client was falsely implicated. He contended that the victim had willingly left and was in a relationship with Bajrang Maurya. He stated that Maurya was ready to abide by any conditions imposed by the court.

Victim’s Testimony:

The victim appeared in court and filed a statement (Exh. 03) stating that she had no objection to Maurya’s release on bail. She further testified that she had married Bajrang Maurya on January 15, 2024, and had willingly given her jewelry to Maurya for safekeeping. The victim also provided a 164 statement that she willingly went with Bajrang Maurya.

Court’s Decision:

Judge Shaikh, after reviewing the statements and hearing the arguments, noted that Maurya had been in judicial custody since February 1, 2024, and that the recoveries had been made. The court concluded that there was no need for further custodial interrogation and that Maurya was entitled to bail.

Conditions of Bail:

Judge Shaikh granted Maurya bail on the following conditions:

• He must execute a personal bond (PR Bond) of ₹25,000 with one or more solvent sureties of the same amount.
• He must visit Tardeo Police Station on the fourth Saturday of every month between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM until the charge sheet is filed.
• He must submit proof of his residence, Aadhaar Card, and Election Card (if available).
• He must not involve himself in any other crime.
• He must not tamper with prosecution evidence.
• He must not directly or indirectly influence any person acquainted with the case.
• He must attend all trial dates.
• Breach of any condition will result in the immediate cancellation of bail.

The court concluded that releasing Maurya on these conditions would serve the interests of justice.