Mumbai, January 30, 2024 – A Mumbai court has rejected the bail application of Rahul Vinod Dogra, a 33-year-old web designer from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, who is accused of creating fraudulent websites used to cheat individuals. The Additional Sessions Judge, Shri N.P. Tribhuwan, presiding over Court Room No. 23 at the City Civil and Sessions Court in Greater Mumbai, denied Dogra’s bail in Criminal Bail Application No. 90 of 2024.
Dogra was arrested in connection with Crime No. 223/2023, registered at Gaondevi Police Station, Mumbai. He faces charges under Sections 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), and 471 (using as genuine a forged document or1 electronic record) of the Indian Penal Code,2 as well as Sections 66(c) and 66(d) of the Information Technology Act.
The case stems from a complaint filed by Smt. Mehru Meenu Billimoria, who alleged that she was defrauded of Rs. 90,710 while attempting to order sweets online. According to the prosecution, Billimoria searched for a sweet shop on Google and found a mobile number purportedly belonging to “Tiwari Brothers Sweet Shop.” Upon calling the number, she was led to make multiple payments via Google Pay after being told the initial transactions had failed. The caller then sent her a QR code and instructed her to enter the code “29991” repeatedly, resulting in the deductions.
Dogra’s defense argued that he was merely a web designer hired by an absconding accused, receiving Rs. 3,500 for his services. His lawyer, Mr. Dilip Kokil, contended that Dogra was not the beneficiary of the fraud and had simply followed instructions in creating the website. He cited a Supreme Court ruling emphasizing that a breach of contract does not automatically constitute criminal cheating unless fraudulent intent is evident from the outset.
However, the prosecution, represented by learned APP Mrs. Ranjana Budhwant, opposed the bail, arguing that Dogra’s release would likely lead to further fraudulent activities. They highlighted that Dogra had allegedly created fake websites for multiple companies and that other similar cases of online fraud using the name “Tiwari Sweets” were pending at the Gaondevi Police Station. The prosecution also emphasized the severity of online fraud, citing the Delhi High Court’s observation about the erosion of trust in online transactions and its impact on economic growth.
Judge Tribhuwan, in his order, acknowledged the seriousness of online cheating and forgery, noting their increasing prevalence and the need for strict action. He stated that the accused’s actions, in collusion with others, appeared to be a well-planned scheme designed to deceive innocent individuals. The court concluded that releasing Dogra on bail was not advisable, considering the nature of the offenses and the ongoing investigation, including the search for the absconding co-accused and the recovery of the defrauded amount.
The court order stated, “Crimes like online cheating, forgery, and fraud are very serious non-bailable offenses. In recent times, these offenses have become much more worrying as they are been conducted through electronic means, it is therefore necessary that strict and prompt action is to be taken against such offenses to keep India safe in these times.”
Dogra will remain in custody as the investigation continues. The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to combating the rising tide of cybercrime and protecting citizens from online fraud.