Mumbai, April 30, 2024 – Justin Pesi Pandole has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in a robbery case. Additional Sessions Judge A.A. Kulkarni (Court Room No. 22) issued the order on April 29, 2024.

Pandole was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 40/2024, registered at the Tilak Nagar Police Station, for offenses under Sections 395 (dacoity), 392 (robbery), 170 (personating a public servant), 120(b) (criminal conspiracy), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention)¹ of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Sections 3 and 25 of the Indian Arms Act.

Background and Allegations:

The complainant, Pankaj Singh, reported that on January 16, 2024, while traveling in a car with his driver and employee, they were stopped by individuals impersonating CBI officers. The impersonators took bags containing Rs. 1,50,000 and asked them to come to the CBI office. Upon reaching the CBI office, they realized they had been robbed.

Arguments Presented:

Advocate Sundeep Singh, representing Pandole, argued that he was falsely implicated and that no recovery was made from him. He stated that Pandole was implicated solely based on a car owned by his wife. He highlighted that the prosecution’s statement indicated no need for further custody. Pandole also suffers from agoraphobia and panic disorder and is the sole breadwinner of his family. He has been in judicial custody since February 18, 2024, and has no criminal antecedents.

Additional Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) R.E. Budhawant, representing the State, opposed the bail, arguing that the investigation was in its preliminary stage, over Rs. 50 lakhs were involved (with Rs. 30,54,000 still unrecovered), and co-accused Vijay Rasal was still at large. They cited CCTV footage and witness statements placing Pandole at the scene and alleged his involvement in the conspiracy. They expressed concerns about Pandole absconding if released.

Court’s Reasoning and Decision:

Judge Kulkarni reviewed the record and submissions. He noted that the incident occurred on January 16, 2024, and the previous bail application was rejected due to the pending investigation.

However, the court observed that the investigation was now complete, and the charge sheet had been filed before the Metropolitan Magistrate. During the investigation, witness statements were recorded, and weapons and other articles were seized. Importantly, nothing was seized from Pandole.

The court noted that any remaining recovery was to be made from the absconding co-accused. Therefore, further detention of Pandole was not required.

Bail Conditions:

Pandole was granted bail upon furnishing a personal bond and surety bond of Rs. 25,000 each, with one or more sureties of the same amount. The following conditions were imposed:

• Pandole must provide his residential address proof and contact numbers to the Investigating Officer.
• He must not directly or indirectly influence, threaten, or promise any person acquainted with the case.
• He must not leave India without prior permission from the court.
• Bail to be furnished before the trial court.

Order Details:

The order was dictated and signed on April 29, 2024. The certified copy was uploaded on April 30, 2024, at 4:20 p.m.

This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the filed charge sheet, the lack of recovery from Pandole, the completion of the investigation, and the imposition of conditions to ensure his compliance with the legal process.