The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Raj Raeen in a case involving allegations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, while directing the investigating officer to deposit ₹5,000 in the Army Welfare Fund for failing to collect his mobile phone during the investigation.
Background
The case arose from an FIR registered at Moosa Nagar Police Station in Kanpur Dehat under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the POCSO Act and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021.
The victim’s statement allegedly referred to an obscene photograph or video being edited and uploaded on social media. However, the investigating officer, Anita Varma, had not collected the applicant’s mobile phone to examine the allegation.
When directed to appear personally, the officer admitted that she had mistakenly failed to collect the device.
The Court referred to its earlier decision in Pankaj v. State of U.P., which led the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, to issue a circular requiring police officers to collect mobile phones in cases involving allegations of creating or circulating obscene photographs or videos.
Expressing displeasure over the investigative lapse, the Court observed:
"This Court expressed its displeasure on this negligence but taking a lenient view, refrains from passing any stricture against the above I.O. being lady officer but directs her to deposit Rs. 5,000/- in the Army Welfare Fund as a cost and to be careful in future."
Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal also directed the investigating officer to remain in its custody until 4 PM and submit the deposit receipt before the concerned Magistrate.
While considering the bail application, the Court took into account contradictions between the victim’s statements recorded under Sections 180 and 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the refusal to undergo medical examination, the evidence and other circumstances.
The Court clarified that it was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the case and ordered Raj Raeen’s release on bail, subject to a personal bond, two sureties and conditions concerning witness protection, cooperation with proceedings and future conduct.
Case Details
Case Title: Raj Raeen v. State of U.P. and 3 Others
Case Number: Criminal Misc. Bail Application No. 36210 of 2026
Judge: Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal
Decision Date: October 24, 2026
