Mumbai, March 19, 2024 – Manoj Kuwar Singh, a police officer, has been denied bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in a case involving bribery and false reporting. Additional Sessions Judge Rajesh A. Sasne (Court Room No. 30) issued the order on March 15, 2024.
Singh was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 136/2024, registered at the CSMT Railway Police Station, for offenses under Sections 3 and 25 of the Arms Act, Sections 37(1) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act, and Sections 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), 182 (false information), 166(A) (public servant disobeying direction under law), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Background and Allegations:
The case arose from a report filed by Tulshiram Shinde, another police officer, who claimed to have found a nylon bag containing a pistol and bullets at Sandhurst Road Railway Station. However, CCTV footage revealed discrepancies in Shinde’s account.
The investigation revealed that Singh and Shinde had apprehended a person named Irfan with the firearm and ammunition. Instead of taking legal action, they allegedly accepted a bribe of Rs. 18,000 from Irfan’s brother and allowed him to go free. They then allegedly conspired to falsely report the firearm as abandoned on the railway tracks.
Arguments Presented:
Advocate Smita Pawar, representing Singh, argued that he was falsely implicated and innocent. He stated that Singh had undergone custodial interrogation, the investigation was complete, and he was the sole earning member of his family. He emphasized that Singh was a permanent resident.
Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Iqbal Solkar, representing the State, opposed the bail, arguing that Singh’s release would pose a flight risk and lead to witness tampering.
Court’s Reasoning and Decision:
Judge Sasne reviewed the application, reply, and documents on record. He noted that the CCTV footage contradicted Shinde’s report and showed Singh’s active involvement in the offense.
The court rejected the defense’s argument that Singh was arrested solely based on a co-accused’s statement, citing the CCTV footage as evidence of Singh’s role.
The court emphasized that Singh, as a police officer, had breached his public duty by accepting a bribe and filing a false report. The court also noted that the investigation was ongoing and other accused were yet to be arrested.
Considering the seriousness of the offense and the risk of witness tampering, the court found that Singh was not entitled to bail.
Decision:
Singh’s bail application was rejected.
Order Details:
The order was dictated on March 15, 2024, transcribed on March 16, 2024, and signed on March 19, 2024. The certified copy was uploaded on March 19, 2024, at 4:55 p.m.
This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the CCTV evidence, the breach of public duty by a police officer, the ongoing investigation, and the risk of witness tampering.