Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 19: The Fast Track Court, Jammu, presided over by Amarjeet Singh Langeh, on Monday dismissed an anticipatory bail plea filed by Abid Latief of Kiryani Talab, Narwal, in FIR No. 143/2025 registered at Police Station Bishnah for serious offences under the BNS and the IT Act.
The court noted that the investigation, including the victim’s statement under the BNSS, prima facie reflected grave allegations such as sexual assault, threats, stalking, and extortion, and held that custodial interrogation was necessary for recovery of digital devices/electronic evidence and other allegedly extorted property.
As per the order, the prosecution alleged that the accused used fake identities on social media, befriended the woman on Instagram, and later allegedly assaulted her and recorded photos/videos, using them to blackmail and extract Rs 2 lakh. The court also observed that allegations of concealment of identity and marital status and using deceitful means to lure the victim carried wider societal repercussions and could not be brushed aside at the bail stage.
Dismissing the plea, the court ruled that mere assurance of cooperation was insufficient in the face of the nature and gravity of allegations, and cautioned that granting anticipatory bail at this stage could adversely impact the investigation and intimidate the victim. (JNF) |
