Gurunath Jangde vs State Of Karnataka

Ramesh Sinha, CJ

This first transit/anticipatory bail application under Section 482 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 has been filed by the applicant, who are apprehending their arrest in connection with Crime No.451/2025 registered at Police Station – CEN Crime North Division Bengaluru, District- Bengluru (Karnataka), for the offence punishable under Sections 66(C), 66(D) of Information Technology Act, 2000 and Section 318(4) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The prosecution case, in brief, is that the complainant, who holds Bank Account No. 002290100026011 in Me Banko Alantlo and another Account No. 009399000007023 in Yes Bank in the name of the complainant’s mother, states that on 04.06.2025, when he checked his mobile app, he found that some unknown persons had added him to a WhatsApp group named “VARANIUM PRO TRY-B159.” The group had two administrators (phone numbers 7395980895 and 7702636887) who were posting stock market–related messages and explaining how to purchase stocks. Another person, Ishita Mehta, using WhatsApp number 7698259765, was also providing stock market information. Thereafter, the complainant was instructed to download an application named VARANIUM PRO. After installing the app, the “Customer Service Team” on the app advised him to invest money. The complainant informed his friend, Pikram Muttanna, who also invested through the same app. Both were later asked to invest money in an IPO, and they complied. However, when they attempted to withdraw their money, they were told to invest further amounts. In this manner, by misleading and inducing them step-by-step, a total sum of Rs. 2,32,29,000/- was taken from the complainant and his friend, thereby cheating them. Based on the said complaint, the CEN Crime Police, North Division, Bengaluru, District Bengaluru (Karnataka) registered FIR No. 451/2025 under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 against unknown persons. The charge sheet has not yet been filed, and the matter is under investigation.

Learned counsel for the applicant submits that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in the offence in question. It is further submitted that the applicant has received a notice from the Police Station CEN Crime, North Division, Bengaluru, District Bengaluru (Karnataka) stating that he is wanted in connection with Crime No. 451/2025, registered at Police Station CEN Crime, North Division, Bengaluru, District Bengaluru (Karnataka), for offences punishable under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. A copy of the notice has been annexed as Annexure A/1. It is further stated that the applicant is a Government employee serving as a Lecturer (Physics) at Government Higher Secondary School, Pakhnakot, Block Dharamjaigarh, District Raigarh (C.G.), which is evident from the I-Card issued by the District Education Officer, Raigarh (C.G.). A copy of the I-Card is annexed as Annexure A/3. Learned counsel also submits that one of the co-accused, namely Anusuiya Sandilya, Director of Jeevandayini Sathi Foundation, who was arrested in the same case, has been granted bail by the Learned Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bengaluru, vide order dated 31.10.2025. It is further contended that if the applicant, who is serving as a Lecturer (Physics), is arrested, he may lose his Government service. In view of the above circumstances, the applicant has approached this Court seeking grant of transit/anticipatory bail.

On the other hand, learned State counsel opposed the prayer for grant of transit/anticipatory bail.

I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the material available on record.

Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, nature and gravity of allegation made against the applicant and the fact that the applicant is a Government employee serving as a Lecturer (Physics) at Government Higher Secondary School, Pakhnakot, Block Dharamjaigarh, District Raigarh (C.G.), which is evident from the I-Card issued by the District Education Officer, Raigarh (C.G.), and further considering the fact that one of the co-accused, namely Anusuiya Sandilya, Director of Jeevandayini Sathi Foundation, who was arrested in the same case, has been granted bail by the Learned Chief Judicial Magistrate, Bengaluru, vide order dated 31.10.2025, this Court deems it appropriate to grant transit/anticipatory bail to the present applicant.

Accordingly, the instant transit/anticipatory bail is allowed for a temporary period of two weeks. It is directed that in the event of arrest of applicant in connection with the aforesaid offence, he shall be released on bail by the Officer arresting him on his executing a personal bond with one surety in the like sum to the satisfaction of the concerned Investigating Officer. Thereafter, he is at liberty to take recourse to law before the Court of competent jurisdiction.

This protection is granted for a period of two weeks from today to enable the applicant to approach the competent Court for seeking appropriate relief.