Mumbai, March 12, 2024 – Kalpesh Bajirao Bhosale has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Mumbai in connection with an extortion case involving a real estate dispute. The order, issued by Additional Sessions Judge Rajesh A. Sasne in Court Room No. 30, pertains to Criminal Bail Application No. 604 of 2024.

Bhosale was arrested on January 21, 2024, in connection with Crime No. 09/2024, registered with DCB CID Unit-9, Mumbai (corresponding to C.R.No.109/2024 at Bandra Police Station), for offenses punishable 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.

The case involves a dispute between a construction businessman (the complainant) and Satish Dhanuka, the proprietor of M/s. Satish Enterprises, a real estate firm. The complainant’s company had an agreement with Dhanuka’s firm regarding the redevelopment of Ambedkar Nagar Cooperative Society. The complainant’s company paid ₹8.10 crores out of an agreed ₹41,00,75,000, but the redevelopment proposal was terminated.

Later, the cooperative society approached the complainant for redevelopment, leading to a complaint against the complainant by Dhanuka at the Economic Offences Wing. The complainant then received a WhatsApp call from an unknown person, demanding a settlement with Dhanuka or facing ED proceedings. Subsequently, a meeting was arranged at Starbucks Coffee, Nariman Point, where Dhanuka allegedly demanded ₹164 crores as extortion and threatened the complainant. Bhosale was present at this meeting.

In his bail application, Bhosale, represented by Advocate Sachin Desai, claimed innocence and false implication. He argued that he had undergone custodial interrogation, had no criminal antecedents, and was willing to cooperate with the investigation.

The prosecution, represented by Additional Public Prosecutor Iqbal Solkar, opposed the bail, arguing that Bhosale’s release would hinder evidence collection, pose a flight risk, and potentially lead to witness intimidation and evidence tampering.

Judge Sasne, after reviewing the case documents and hearing arguments from both sides, noted that Bhosale’s role was limited to being present at the meeting. He also highlighted that the demand for money arose from a disputed contractual liability and previous monetary transactions between the complainant and Dhanuka.

“The demand arise out of disputed contractual liability. There was previous monetary transactions between the informant and the accused Satish Dhanuka. The role attributed to the present applicant is limited to the extent of presence in the meeting,” Judge Sasne stated in his order.

Considering that Bhosale had been in custody since January 21, 2024, that the investigation related to him appeared to be complete, and that his presence could be secured through reasonable conditions, the court granted him bail under the following conditions:

• He must furnish a Personal Bond (P.B.) and Surety Bond (S.B.) of ₹30,000 with one or two sureties.
• He is prohibited from tampering with prosecution witnesses and evidence.
• He must attend the DCB CID Unit-9 police station on the 2nd Saturday of every month between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. until the charge sheet is filed.
• Provisional cash bail of the like amount is allowed, with the condition that he furnishes surety within four weeks from the date of release, failing which the cash bail will be forfeited.
• He is prohibited from leaving India without prior court permission.
• Bail is to be executed before the concerned Magistrate.

This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the specific allegations against Bhosale, the nature of the dispute, and the need to balance individual liberty with the prevention of potential extortion. The court’s imposition of conditions underscores its commitment to ensuring Bhosale’s cooperation with the ongoing investigation and trial.