Bail Granted: Applicant under Sections 302, 120B and 34 of the Indian Penal Code.


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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Defense Arguments

    • Hashmi's defense challenges the circumstantial nature of the evidence.
    • Asserts lack of direct evidence linking Hashmi to the murder.
  5. Judicial Consideration

    • Court assesses the strength of evidence presented by both parties.
    • Reference to legal precedents on granting bail in serious criminal cases.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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