The Punjab and Haryana High Court has refused to grant anticipatory bail to a man accused of assisting the prime suspect in the alleged murder of a popular social media influencer from Ludhiana. The court emphasized the need for a free and fair investigation in the high-profile case.
Court's Firm Stand on Bail Plea
Justice Sumeet Goel, in a detailed order, declined the pre-arrest bail application filed by Ranjit Singh. The court observed that the role attributed to the petitioner was precise and not vague, and granting bail at this preliminary investigation stage would hinder the probe.
The court stated it must balance individual rights with societal interests, considering the offence's magnitude, the accused's role, and the investigation's needs. Justice Goel noted there was no material on record to conclude that a prima facie case was not made out against Ranjit Singh.
The Chilling Case of Kanchan Kumari
The case stems from an FIR registered at Police Station Cantt in Bathinda concerning the mysterious death of 27-year-old social media personality Kanchan Kumari, also known online as "Kanchan Kaur Bhabhi." Her decomposed body was discovered inside a car in Bathinda on June 11.
The FIR was based on a complaint by her mother, Girja Devi, a Ludhiana resident. She informed police that her daughter left home on June 9 around 3:30 PM with a man named Amritpal Singh, who had offered her a "car promotion job." Kanchan had shared his contact number with her mother before leaving.
When she failed to return by late evening and both their phones were switched off, the family grew anxious. The subsequent discovery of her body led to the initial filing of an FIR against unknown persons.
Investigation and Allegations Against Ranjit Singh
In a later statement, the complainant named three individuals: Jaspreet Singh, Nirmaljit Singh, and Amritpal Singh Mehro. Police arrested Jaspreet and Nirmaljit on June 13 and added a charge of criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Their statements during interrogation revealed the alleged involvement of Ranjit Singh, accusing him of helping the main suspect, Amritpal Singh, flee. Investigators claim Ranjit Singh assisted Amritpal in reaching Amritsar Airport in an attempt to leave the country shortly after the incident.
The FIR includes offences of murder and causing evidence to disappear or giving false information to screen an offender under Sections 103 and 238 of the BNS.
Defence Arguments and Court's Final Ruling
In his bail plea, Ranjit Singh contended that he was falsely implicated and was not named in the original FIR. He argued that there was no direct evidence linking him to the murder and that his name emerged solely from the disclosure statements of the co-accused.
After hearing all sides, the High Court dismissed his plea. The court considered the specific role attributed to him, the ongoing investigation to trace the absconding accused, and the necessity of custodial interrogation for a thorough probe.
The court concluded that in the factual context of this case, Ranjit Singh does not deserve the concession of anticipatory bail. This decision underscores the judiciary's focus on ensuring investigative integrity in serious criminal cases.
