Summary of Judgement
Applicant facing charges under IPC and Arms Act, sought bail under Section 439 of CrPC. The case involves allegations stemming from a murder conspiracy in Nerul, Maharashtra. Despite circumstantial evidence presented, the court found insufficient grounds to link Hashmi directly to the crime, leading to his bail approval with specific conditions.
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Introduction
- Rafique Salim Hashmi filed a bail application under Section 439 of CrPC.
- Charged with serious offences including murder, conspiracy, and violations of the Arms Act in Nerul, Maharashtra.
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Incident and Allegations
- Crime occurred on March 15, 2023, involving the murder of Savajibhai Manjeri.
- Alleged conspiracy implicates multiple accused, primarily driven by familial and business disputes.
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Prosecution's Case
- Reliance on circumstantial evidence such as CCTV footage, Call Detail Records (CDR), and witness statements.
- Hashmi accused of tampering with motorcycle identification numbers used in the crime.
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Defense Arguments
- Hashmi's defense challenges the circumstantial nature of the evidence.
- Asserts lack of direct evidence linking Hashmi to the murder.
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Judicial Consideration
- Court assesses the strength of evidence presented by both parties.
- Reference to legal precedents on granting bail in serious criminal cases.
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Decision
- Court finds prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against Hashmi.
- Orders Hashmi's release on bail with specific conditions to ensure compliance with legal proceedings.
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Conditions of Bail
- Bail amount set at Rs. 25,000 with one or two sureties of equal amount.
- Monthly reporting to Nerul Police Station and travel restrictions imposed.
- Obligation to cooperate with trial proceedings and refrain from tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.
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Conclusion
- Bail Application No. 198 of 2024 allowed by the court.
- Hashmi granted bail pending trial under strict conditions to uphold legal integrity and public safety.
Case Title: Rafique Salim Hashmi Versus State of Maharashtra
Citation: 2024 LawText (BOM) (7) 51
Case Number: BAIL APPLICATION NO. 198 OF 2024
Advocate(s): Mr. Shubham Upadhyay a/w. Mr. Fahad Qureshi, Advocates for the Applicant. Mr. Y. Y. Dabke, APP for the Respondent – State.
Date of Decision: 2024-07-05