Mumbai, February 24, 2022 – Rahul Vikas Katalkar (20) has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in an attempted murder case. Additional Judge G.B. Gurao (Court Room No. 17) issued the order on February 22, 2022.
Katalkar was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 629/2021, registered at the R.C.F. Police Station. He was charged under Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke1 breach of the peace), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code2 (IPC), and Section 37(1)(A) of the Maharashtra Police Act.
Background and Allegations:
The complainant, Mustafa, and Katalkar resided in the same locality. The prosecution alleged that Katalkar had a history of quarreling with the complainant without reason. On November 5, 2021, around 7:15 p.m., while the complainant was walking home, Katalkar, who was sitting with friends and drinking liquor, allegedly attacked him with a knife. The complainant sustained grievous injuries to his back, chest, and abdomen.
Arguments Presented:
Advocate S.R. Kanojia, representing Katalkar, argued that his client was innocent and falsely implicated. He claimed that the knife recovery was fabricated and that the ingredients of Section 307 of the IPC were not met. He emphasized that Katalkar was young and the sole breadwinner of his family, and he was willing to abide by any conditions imposed by the court.
Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Ramesh Siroya opposed the bail, arguing that Katalkar was a habitual offender and that releasing him would lead to witness intimidation, as the complainant, witnesses, and accused resided in the same locality.
Court’s Reasoning and Decision:
Judge Gurao reviewed the charge sheet and noted the alleged knife attack and recovery. He considered that Katalkar had been in custody since November 6, 2021, and that he was young and willing to abide by court conditions. The court also found that further custodial interrogation was not necessary.
Bail Conditions:
Katalkar was granted bail upon executing a personal bond of Rs. 25,000 with one or more sureties of the same amount. The following conditions were imposed:
- He must not pressurize prosecution witnesses.
- He must not commit any offense while on bail.
- He must attend court dates regularly unless exempted.
- He must provide his correct address to the investigating officer.
- He was granted provisional cash bail of Rs. 25,000 for four weeks, until he can provide the surety.
- Bail to be furnished before the Ld. Metropolitan Magistrate.
Order Details:
The order was dictated on February 22, 2022, transcribed on February 24, 2022, and signed on February 24, 2022. The certified copy was uploaded on February 24, 2022.
This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the length of custody, the willingness of the accused to abide by conditions, and the absence of a need for further custodial interrogation.