Mumbai, May 13, 2024 – Mohammed Zaid Istiyak Ansari has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Mumbai in a case involving vandalism and threats. Additional Sessions Judge A.S. Salgar (Court Room No. 24) issued the order on May 10, 2024.

Ansari was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 279/2024, registered at the R.C.F. Police Station, for offenses under Sections 452 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt), 427 (mischief causing damage), 504 (intentional insult), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 506(2) (criminal intimidation with threat to cause death) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Background and Allegations:

The complainant alleged that on April 19, 2024, Ansari arrived at his bungalow on a motorcycle, carrying an iron rod. He threatened the building’s watchman and then entered the compound, damaging CCTV cameras and a car’s glass with the iron rod.

Arguments Presented:

Advocate Viral Rathod, representing Ansari, argued that he was innocent and falsely implicated. He stated that the investigation was complete, no incriminating material was recovered, and Ansari was willing to cooperate.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Sachin Patil, representing the State, opposed the bail, arguing that Ansari was a habitual offender and would likely commit similar offenses or tamper with witnesses if released.

Advocate Naushad Ahmed, representing the intervener (complainant), also opposed the bail.

Court’s Reasoning and Decision:

Judge Salgar reviewed the FIR and the investigation officer’s report. He noted that the investigation was practically complete, with the iron rod recovered and witness statements recorded.

The court acknowledged the allegations of damage to property and threats. However, considering that the investigation was complete and the offense was triable by a Metropolitan Magistrate, the court found that continued detention was unnecessary.

The court imposed stringent conditions, including a substantial deposit, to address the nature of the offense and ensure Ansari’s compliance.

Bail Conditions:

Ansari was granted bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 50,000 with one or two sureties of the same amount. The following conditions were imposed:

• Ansari must attend the concerned police station every Sunday and Wednesday between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. until the charge sheet is filed.
• Ansari and his sureties must provide their residential addresses, mobile numbers, and email addresses to the investigating officer and promptly report any changes.
• Ansari must not directly or indirectly influence, threaten, or promise any person acquainted with the case or tamper with evidence.
• Ansari must not leave India without prior permission from the Trial Court.
• Ansari must deposit Rs. 1,00,000 in the Trial Court.
• Except for attending the trial, Ansari must not enter the jurisdiction of the R.C.F. Police Station until the trial concludes.
• Breach of any condition will result in cancellation of bail.
• Provisional cash bail is allowed.
• Bail to be furnished before the Trial Court.

Order Details:

The order was dictated and transcribed on May 10, 2024, and signed on May 13, 2024. The certified copy was uploaded on May 13, 2024, at 3:30 p.m.

This decision emphasizes the court’s consideration of the completed investigation, the nature of the offense, and the imposition of stringent conditions to ensure compliance and address the complainant’s concerns.