P&H High Court Grants Bail in ₹29 Lakh Cyber-Fraud Case After 7.5 Months’ Custody
Case Name: Akash @ Akash Kumar vs. State of Haryana
Date of Judgment: 10 November 2025
Citation: CRM-M-61637-2025
Bench: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sumeet Goel
Held: The Punjab & Haryana High Court granted regular bail to the petitioner in a ₹29,06,400 cyber-fraud case. The Court noted that he had remained in custody for 7 months and 12 days, the investigation was complete, and the challan had been filed. It held that the trial would take time because none of the nine prosecution witnesses had been examined. The Court observed that although another FIR from Uttar Pradesh existed against the petitioner, this fact alone could not defeat bail in the present case. It relied on Maulana Mohd. Amir Rashadi, Sridhar Das, Akhilesh Singh, and Balraj, which state that antecedents must be considered but cannot override the merits of the specific FIR.
Summary: The FIR alleged that the complainant was lured through a Facebook group and WhatsApp messages into opening a fake trading account. He transferred ₹29,06,400 over several dates, believing the amount and profits were reflected in the application. When he tried to withdraw, the fraudsters blocked him and demanded 20% commission. The petitioner argued false implication and stated that he only advised the complainant about stock trading. The State opposed bail, citing seriousness of the offence, but acknowledged the custody period and the completed investigation. The Court found that the petitioner did not pose a risk of absconding or tampering, and that the issues raised were debatable and would be examined during trial.
Decision: The Court allowed the petition and granted regular bail on furnishing surety bonds to the satisfaction of the CJM/Duty Magistrate. The petitioner must not misuse liberty, tamper with evidence, threaten witnesses, commit any offence, skip hearings, or change his mobile number without permission. He must deposit his passport, if any. The State may seek cancellation of bail if he breaches any condition.