In a significant decision, the Bombay High Court granted bail to four individuals involved in a major cybercrime case. The case concerns harassment through loan apps and is noteworthy as the Pune Police have applied the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for the first time in a cybercrime case.
Accused Granted Bail
The court granted bail to the four accused—Mujid Ibrahim Kandiyal, Ragib Sharif Ahmed, Mohammad Mahindu Maniyat, and Shrikrishna Bhimanna Gaikwad—on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 each. They also had to provide one or two sureties of the same amount.
Court’s Reasoning for Bail
Justice Shivkumar Dige, in his ruling on March 18, noted that the accused had been in custody for over two years and four months. However, the trial had not yet begun. The court found that the accused had no previous criminal records and their involvement in the crime seemed limited. As a result, the court determined that their continued detention was unnecessary.
The Case Details
The case involves an organized gang, allegedly led by Dheeraj Bhagat Punekar from Solapur. The gang reportedly used app-based loans to harass victims. Furthermore, authorities accuse the group of extorting money through threats, blackmail, and intimidation. As a result, the Pune city cybercrime police arrested nine people in connection with the case. The authorities applied MCOCA because of the gang’s well-structured operations.
Investigations and Findings
Investigations revealed that the accused allegedly sold victims’ personal data. They also used fake identities to open multiple bank accounts. These accounts were used to transfer extorted money, with possible links to operations in Dubai.
Legal Arguments
The defense argued that their clients were only indirectly involved and had no intent to commit fraud. On the other hand, the prosecution opposed the bail, presenting evidence such as recovered chats and the misuse of SIM cards and bank accounts.
Outcome of the Ruling
This decision provides relief to the four accused. Previously, a special court granted bail to three others, while two applications for bail were denied. The case continues to be one of the most prominent cybercrime cases in Maharashtra.
Source: THE 420
