Mumbai, January 12, 2023 – Arjun Raju Bhopariya has been denied bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Mumbai in a case involving the robbery of a taxi driver. Additional Sessions Judge Vishal S. Gaike (Court Room No. 22) issued the order on January 10, 2023.
Bhopariya was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 599/2022, registered at the Nehru Nagar Police Station, for offenses under Sections 397 (robbery, or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) and 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery)1 read with 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian2 Penal Code (IPC).
Background and Allegations:
The complainant, a taxi driver named Sukhlal Thannu Sav, reported that Bhopariya and his co-accused stopped his taxi and asked to be taken to Thakkar Bappa Colony, Kurla (East). Upon reaching their destination, they refused to pay the fare of Rs. 400 and instead assaulted him. One of the accused allegedly brandished a knife and threatened to stab him if he did not hand over his belongings. They stole his mobile phone and Rs. 1,200 in cash before fleeing.
Arguments Presented:
Advocate Rakesh Raul represented Bhopariya, arguing that he was innocent and falsely implicated based on co-accused statements. He stated that nothing was recovered from Bhopariya and that he was willing to cooperate with the investigation and abide by any conditions imposed by the court.
Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) J.N. Suryawanshi opposed the bail, stating that Bhopariya and his co-accused had committed a similar offense against another taxi driver and were habitual offenders. He argued that releasing Bhopariya could lead to similar offenses, witness intimidation, and flight. He also stated that a test identification parade was pending.
Court’s Reasoning and Decision:
Judge Gaike considered the FIR and the submissions of both parties. He noted the serious allegations against Bhopariya and his co-accused, including the commission of a similar offense against another taxi driver. The court also highlighted the pending test identification parade and ongoing investigation.
The court expressed concerns that Bhopariya might flee from justice if released on bail, given his alleged criminal antecedents.
Considering the seriousness of the accusations and the pending investigation, the court was not inclined to grant bail until the charge sheet was filed.
Decision:
The court rejected Bhopariya’s bail application.
Order Details:
The order was dictated on January 10, 2023, transcribed on January 11, 2023, and signed on an unspecified date. The certified copy was uploaded on January 12, 2023, at 1:20 p.m.
This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the seriousness of the allegations, the pending investigation, Bhopariya’s alleged habitual offender status, and the potential risks to the investigation and witnesses.