The Karnataka High Court has granted regular bail to a journalist, arrested in an extortion and abduction case, where the accused along with co-accused allegedly impersonated police officers, planted marijuana, and extorted money from the complainant.

Justice Venkatesh Naik T took into account several factors, including the recovery of extorted money, severity of punishment and chances of the petitioner-accused to escape, while allowing the criminal petition.

“On perusal of the material available on record, it appears that the accused persons kidnapped the de facto complainant on the pretext that they would register a case and also on the premise that ganja had been placed in his car. The statement of objections and the material available on record clearly demonstrate that the alleged offences are not punishable with death or imprisonment for life. The petitioner has been in judicial custody. Since the recovery has already been effected, his further detention in judicial custody is not necessary,” the Court said.

It added, “Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case, looking into the nature of allegation made against the petitioner, gravity of offence, severity of punishment, chances of petitioner absconding or fleeing away from justice if released on bail, character and antecedents of the petitioner tampering of the prosecution witnesses, the petitioner is entitled for grant of regular bail by imposing certain conditions.”

Accordingly, the Court ordered releases of the petitioner on regular bail on execution of a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh along with two sureties. The Court further directed the petitioner to mark his attendance before the police once in every fortnight and appear before the trial court on all the dates of hearing.

Background

The case stemmed from an FIR filed at the Hukkeri Police Station for offences under Sections 319(2), 318(4), 140(2), and 3(6) BNS.

The complainant alleged that the accused—including the petitioner—impersonated police officers, abducted him in a car, and forcibly took photos and videos after compelling him to place two packets of ganja in their vehicle. The accused then blackmailed the complainant by threatening to register a case under the NDPS Act, demanding Rs 2 to 3 lakh.

Under these circumstances, the complainant paid the accused a total of Rs 60,000. Subsequently, he lodged a complaint before the respondent-police.