Mumbai, July 14, 2022 – Madhuker Ramdas @ Ramchandra Thorat, a 65-year-old, has been denied bail by the Sessions Court in Mumbai in connection with an alleged robbery case. Thorat was arrested in connection with Crime No. 297/2022, registered at V.P. Road Police Station, for offenses under Sections 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery), 397 (robbery, or dacoity, with attempt to cause death or grievous1 hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506(2) (criminal intimidation), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian2 Penal Code.
The Allegations
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the complainant was called by Ratilal Prajapati to his office in Mumbadevi with gold for preparing jewelry. As they were walking near Nemane building, two individuals, one on a KTM bike and the other standing nearby, attacked them. The person standing near the bike allegedly threw chili powder at them, brandished a knife, threatened to kill them, and snatched a bag containing gold jewelry before fleeing on the KTM bike.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Thorat allegedly played an active role in the commission of the offense. Gold jewelry worth Rs. 14,20,200 was recovered, and it was discovered that other individuals were also involved.
Thorat’s Defense and Arguments
Mr. Prashant Parab, representing Thorat, argued that nothing was recovered from his client and that there was no prima facie material to connect him with the alleged offense. He requested that Thorat be granted bail.
Prosecution’s Objections
Ms. Jyotsna Gawali, the Additional Public Prosecutor (APP), opposed the bail application, arguing that the offense was committed as part of a conspiracy and that seven individuals were involved. Three of those individuals were still absconding. The prosecution stated that gold jewelry worth Rs. 52,00,000 was stolen, and a significant portion was yet to be recovered. They also asserted that Thorat’s involvement was disclosed based on CCTV footage.
Court’s Observations and Decision
Additional Sessions Judge Shri A.A. Kulkarni considered the submissions from both sides and the documents on record. The court noted that the case involved allegations of conspiracy and that, although nothing was recovered from Thorat, his role was still under investigation. The court also highlighted the seriousness of the offense, given the significant amount of stolen gold jewelry (Rs. 52,00,000).
“Therefore, though anything is not recovered from the applicant, his role is yet to be clarified as to investigation is in progress. There is allegation of theft of gold jewellery worth Rs.52,00,000/-, hence, offence is serious,” Judge Kulkarni stated in the order.
The court also emphasized that the investigation was ongoing and that it could not be concluded at that stage that Thorat had no role in the commission of the offense. Given the seriousness of the offense and the fact that three accused were absconding, the court denied Thorat’s bail application.
Decision
Thorat’s bail application was rejected.
Key Points
- Conspiracy Allegations: The court considered the allegations of conspiracy, which implicated Thorat despite the lack of direct recovery from him.
- Seriousness of Offense: The court highlighted the significant amount of stolen jewelry, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.
- Ongoing Investigation: The court noted that the investigation was still in progress and that Thorat’s role was yet to be fully clarified.
- Absconding Accused: The court considered the fact that three accused were still absconding, which influenced the decision to deny bail.