Mumbai, February 29, 2024 – Zakir Ali Shaikh has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in a robbery case. Additional Sessions Judge V.M. Sundale (Court Room No. 27) issued the order on February 28, 2024.

Shaikh was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 283/2023, registered at the Navghar Police Station, for offenses under Section 395 (dacoity) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Background and Allegations:

The prosecution alleged that Shaikh and his co-accused robbed the complainant on November 18, 2023, taking his gold chain, smartwatch, and wallet.

Arguments Presented:

Advocate R.M.H. Jabali represented Shaikh, while Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Ratnavali Patil represented the State.

Court’s Reasoning and Decision:

Judge Sundale noted that Shaikh was arrested on December 29, 2023, but nothing was recovered from him during his police custody. The court also observed that the investigation was completed, and the charge sheet had been filed.

While the court acknowledged that co-accused Zakir Moinuddin Shaikh @ Zakir Lootera had a criminal record, there was no evidence of Shaikh himself having any prior criminal antecedents.

The court emphasized that Shaikh’s presence was not required for any further recovery or discovery, and he had been in custody for over two months. The court concluded that it would not be proper to keep him in custody indefinitely. The court also believed that the prosecution’s concerns could be addressed by imposing stringent conditions.

Bail Conditions:

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

• Shaikh and his sureties must provide their mobile numbers, email addresses, and documents related to their place of residence.
• Shaikh must not directly or indirectly influence or threaten any person acquainted with the case.
• He must not leave India without prior permission from the court.
• Provisional cash bail of the same amount was allowed, with Shaikh required to furnish surety within four weeks, failing which the cash bail would be forfeited.
• Breach of any condition will result in the cancellation of his bail.
• Bail to be furnished before the Metropolitan Magistrate Court.

Order Details:

The order was dictated on February 28, 2024, transcribed on February 29, 2024, and signed on February 29, 2024. The certified copy was uploaded on February 29, 2024, at 5:15 p.m.

This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the lack of recovery, the completion of the investigation, Shaikh’s lack of prior criminal record, and the imposition of conditions to ensure his compliance with the legal process.