Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A local court has granted bail to a man arrested in a drug-related case, ruling that his continued detention was not necessary after he had been placed in judicial custody and that the interests of the investigation could be protected through stringent conditions.
Judicial Magistrate First Class Puja U.S. Sardessai passed the order on Monday, allowing the bail plea of Mithlesh Bhagat, who was arrested by Porvorim Police on July 8.
In his application, Bhagat claimed he had been falsely implicated in the case and assured the court that he would cooperate with the investigation and comply with any conditions imposed.
The prosecution opposed the bail request, with Assistant Public Prosecutor T. Pawar submitting that the accused had not fully cooperated during the investigation. The investigating officer argued that further custodial interrogation was required to trace the origin of the seized narcotics and identify other persons allegedly linked to the offence. The prosecution also expressed apprehension that the accused, being from outside Goa, might abscond if released.
After examining the submissions, the court observed that Bhagat had already been remanded to judicial custody, indicating that police custody was no longer required for the investigation. The magistrate held that the prosecution’s concerns could be addressed by imposing appropriate restrictions instead of continuing his detention.
The court ordered Bhagat’s release on a personal bond of ₹20,000 with one surety of an equal amount.
Among the conditions imposed, the accused has been directed to report before the investigating officer for five consecutive days after his release and thereafter whenever called until the charge sheet is filed. He has also been barred from leaving Goa for 60 days without prior intimation to the investigating officer.
Additionally, Bhagat must furnish proof of his permanent and local addresses, provide his contact details, cooperate with the ongoing investigation, avoid influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, and comply with all directions issued by the investigating agency.
The court clarified that the bail order will take effect only if the accused is not required in connection with any other criminal case.
