HC dismisses anticipatory bail plea, flags rise in cheating cases in Punjab

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has raised concerns over the growing number of cheating and criminal conspiracy cases in the State of Punjab, driven by the high aspirations of its people to settle abroad. Dismissing an anticipatory bail plea filed by a person accused of duping the complainant of Rs 9.1 lakh under the pretext of facilitating his brother’s travel to the United Kingdom, Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the high court observed that such offences had become rampant in the State.

“In Punjab, such offences are becoming rampant. Since the number of persons intending to go abroad is very large in the state, the incidence of cheating and criminal conspiracy of duping persons of their hard-earned money is becoming common,” Chief Justice Nagu asserted.

The matter was placed before Chief Justice Nagu’s Bench after the accused filed an anticipatory bail plea apprehending his arrest in a case registered on September 6 for cheating and criminal conspiracy under Sections 420 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code registered at Model Town police station in Ludhiana district.

After going through the documents and hearing rival contentions, Chief Justice Nagu observed three cheques were issued to the complainant after the promised arrangement did not materialize, but were dishonoured.

Chief Justice Nagu asserted the petitioner was also facing a similar FIR for a related offence. “Considering the amount of money involved and the antecedents of the petitioner, this court is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail. The petitioner should join the investigation where his custodial interrogation appears to be necessary,” the Chief Justice asserted. The State was represented by Additional Advocate-General Gagneshwar Singh Walia.