Mumbai, July 11, 2022 – Karim Aijul Shaikh @ Babusha, a 20-year-old, has been granted bail by the Sessions Court in Mumbai in connection with a mobile phone snatching case. Shaikh was arrested in connection with Crime No. 121/2022, registered at Sewree Police Station.

The Allegations

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the complainant was walking on the road with his mobile phone when an unknown person on a motorcycle snatched the phone and fled towards Britaniya Junction. During the investigation, the mobile phone was recovered from Shaikh.

Shaikh’s Defense and Arguments

Ms. Shahid Iqbal Azam Shaikh, the learned Advocate for Shaikh, argued that her client was falsely implicated in the case. She stated that the investigation was complete, the charge sheet had been filed (Case No. 516/PW/2022), and the alleged property had been seized by the police. She emphasized that there was no need for Shaikh’s further custody and requested bail.

Prosecution’s Objections

Ms. Ratnavali Patil, the Additional Public Prosecutor (APP), filed a response opposing the bail application. She argued that there was a possibility of Shaikh absconding and repeating similar offenses if released. She also contended that Shaikh was a habitual offender.

Court’s Observations and Decision

Additional Sessions Judge Shri A.A. Kulkarni, presiding over the case, considered the submissions from both sides and the allegations against Shaikh. The court noted that the investigation was complete, and the stolen mobile phone had been recovered from Shaikh.

“It revealed that investigation is completed. Alleged property is seized at the instance of applicant. Therefore, nothing is remained to be seized further. Trial will take its own time. During that period, indefinite detention of applicant is not required,” Judge Kulkarni stated in the order.

While the prosecution alleged that Shaikh was a habitual offender, no previous convictions were on record. Therefore, the court decided to grant bail.

Bail Conditions

Shaikh was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs. 25,000 along with one or two sureties of the same amount. The court imposed the following conditions:

• Shaikh must attend Sewree Police Station upon receiving a written notice from the Investigating Officer.
• He 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.
• The bail process will be completed before the lower court.
• A provisional cash bail of Rs. 25,000 was granted for four weeks.

The court’s decision reflects a consideration of the completion of the investigation, the recovery of the stolen property, and the lack of previous convictions. The conditions imposed aim to ensure Shaikh’s cooperation with the ongoing judicial process and prevent any interference.