Mumbai, Maharashtra – May 6, 2022 – Siddharth Shravan Singh has been denied bail in a robbery and extortion case registered at Santacruz Police Station (Cr. No. 316/2022). The Additional Sessions Judge, U.M. Padwad, of the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay, rejected Singh’s bail application (Bail Application No. 980 of 2022) citing the ongoing investigation and the seriousness of the offense.

Background of the Case:

Singh was arrested in connection with an incident involving robbery and extortion.

Allegations and Arrest:

According to the prosecution, on April 10, 2022, at approximately 1:15 AM, the complainant and his friends were taking a stroll in Juhu Koliwada after dinner. They were allegedly intercepted by Singh and his associates. The accused individuals reportedly attacked one of the complainant’s friends, Yash, and threatened to implicate them in a drug case. They demanded Rs. 10,000 and threatened to drown them in the sea. They also allegedly forcibly removed Rs. 600 from the complainant’s pocket. During the incident, a police patrol van arrived, and while the accused individuals attempted to flee, Singh was apprehended.

Defense Arguments:

Mr. S.D. Sherkhane, representing Singh, argued for his release on bail. (Specific defense arguments are not detailed in the provided order.)

Prosecution’s Counter-Arguments:

Mr. R.A. Mahakal, the Additional Public Prosecutor (APP), opposed the bail application, highlighting the seriousness of the offense and the ongoing investigation.

Court’s Observations and Decision:

Judge Padwad noted that the incident occurred on April 10, 2022, and Singh was caught at the scene. However, his associates were still at large, and their identification by the complainant and his friends was necessary. The judge also highlighted that the money belonging to the complainant was recovered from Singh.

“The incident has occurred on 10/4/2022. The accused has been caught on the spot. His associates are still eluding arrest and their identification by the informant and his friends is required. The amount belonging to the informant was recovered from the present accused. The offence is quite serious and the investigation is still at an initial stage. Release of the present accused is bound to hamper further investigation and in particular nabbing of his associates. In such circumstances the accused is not entitled for bail as of now,” Judge Padwad stated in his order.

The court concluded that releasing Singh would likely hinder the ongoing investigation, particularly the apprehension of his accomplices.

Order:

The court rejected Singh’s bail application.

Significance of the Ruling:

This ruling emphasizes the court’s consideration of the ongoing investigation and the seriousness of the offense when deciding bail applications. The court’s decision underscores that in cases where the investigation is at an initial stage and the accused’s release could impede the apprehension of other suspects, bail may be denied.

Key Factors in the Bail Denial:

• Ongoing investigation.
• Apprehension of co-accused is still pending.
• Recovery of money from the accused.
• Seriousness of the offense.

Future Proceedings:

The investigation will continue to identify and apprehend the remaining accused. The trial will then proceed in the Sessions Court, where the prosecution will be required to prove the charges against Singh and his associates beyond a reasonable doubt.