Punjab & Haryana High Court Grants Bail To Accused In Digital Arrest Involving ₹3 Crore Duped From Retired Principal
Saksham Vaishya
11 April 2026 9:25 AM IST
The Punjab & Haryana High Court has granted bail to an accused in a case involving alleged cyber fraud, where a retired Principal was duped of over Rs. 3 crore through a “digital arrest” modus. The Court observed that, considering the role attributed to the petitioner, the period of custody and the fact that the trial would take time, the petitioner was entitled to bail.
Justice Manisha Batra was hearing a petition filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita seeking regular bail in an FIR registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. The case arose from a complaint filed by a retired Principal, who alleged that she received a call informing her of multiple complaints and criminal proceedings against her and was threatened with arrest. She was told that bank accounts had been opened in her name for illegal activities and was warned against informing her family. It was alleged that she was kept under continuous virtual surveillance and compelled to transfer a total amount of Rs. 3,03,00,000/- to different bank accounts under fear and coercion.
It was alleged that the present petitioner was involved at a later stage in the chain, having received an amount of Rs. 4,26,000/- from co-accused persons, which he converted into cryptocurrency (USDT) and made available further, allegedly in lieu of commission.
The petitioner contended that he had been falsely implicated, that he had been in custody since 18.02.2025, and that the offences were triable by a Magistrate. It was submitted that he had no role in inducing the complainant and had only dealt with a limited amount received from the co-accused. It was also pointed out that he had handed over a demand draft of Rs. 4,26,000/- to the complainant during the proceedings. The State opposed the plea, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the possibility of repetition of such offences.
The Court considered the material on record and noted that the role attributed to the petitioner was limited to receiving Rs. 4,26,000/- from the co-accused and converting the same into USDT. It further noted that the petitioner had been in custody since 18.02.2025 and was not required for further investigation, and that the trial would take time to conclude.
“Taking into consideration the role that has been attributed to the petitioner, the period of his incarceration, his clean antecedents and the above discussed facts, this Court is of the considered opinion that the petition deserves to be allowed,” the Court observed.
Accordingly, the High Court allowed the petition and directed the release of the petitioner on regular bail subject to furnishing of personal and surety bonds and compliance with conditions, including that he shall not tamper with evidence, shall not leave the country without permission, and shall appear before the trial court on each date of hearing.
Case Title: Vikram Singh vs. State of Haryana [CRM-M-14736-2026 (O&M)]