The Bombay High Court on Tuesday refused to grant bail to two Crime Branch policemen from Daman, accused of abducting and extorting money from a group of tourists from Surat. The courtroom atmosphere was tense as the judge made it clear that allegations involving police officers demand closer scrutiny, not leniency. The case, which has raised uncomfortable questions about abuse of authority within the force, was heard by Justice Dr. Neela Gokhale, who delivered a detailed order rejecting the plea.
Background
The case dates back to August 2025, when the complainant and his friends travelled from Surat to Daman for what was meant to be a quiet getaway. According to the FIR, their car was stopped by men who identified themselves as police officers. The group was taken to the Crime Branch headquarters, their phones seized, and they were allegedly threatened with serious criminal charges.
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The complainant told the court that despite producing a valid liquor purchase receipt, the officers declared it fake and warned of long jail terms. Under fear, negotiations allegedly began. The demand, as narrated, initially touched ₹25 lakh before settling at ₹10 lakh. Eventually, ₹7 lakh was allegedly handed over, after which the group was released. A police helpline call by one of the companions later triggered the registration of an FIR.
Though the FIR initially included serious non-bailable offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the investigating agency later dropped those sections while filing the charge sheet, retaining only bailable offences. This move became a major point of dispute before the court.
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Court’s Observations
Justice Gokhale did not mince words while examining the investigation record. The court noted that a magistrate is not bound by the police’s opinion in a charge sheet and can independently assess whether serious offences are made out.
“The charge sheet is only the opinion of the investigating officer,” the bench observed, adding that it is the court’s duty to apply its own mind to the material collected. The judge pointed out that the FIR, remand reports, and witness statements consistently spoke of detention, intimidation, and release only after payment of money elements that prima facie indicate abduction for ransom.
The court also expressed concern over the manner in which the investigation shifted gears, particularly the unexplained dropping of serious charges. “On discussion with superior officers” was found to be an insufficient reason, especially when earlier police documents themselves spoke of extortion and coercion.
Another factor that weighed heavily was the accused being serving police officers. The court remarked that crimes allegedly committed by law enforcers strike at the root of public trust. “Police officials are held to a higher standard. Any attempt to dilute such acts only erodes confidence in the justice system,” the order noted.
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There was also apprehension about evidence tampering. The court referred to allegations that electronic data was destroyed and that the accused attempted to derail the investigation, conduct which did not inspire confidence.
Decision
After considering the seriousness of the allegations, the position held by the accused, and the likelihood of influencing witnesses or obstructing the investigation, the High Court held that it was not a fit case for bail. The bail application filed by the two Crime Branch policemen was accordingly rejected, leaving them to remain in judicial custody as the trial process continues.
Case Title: Ankush Singh & Anr. vs Administration of Union Territory of Daman & Diu
Case Type: Bail Application
Case No.: Bail Application No. 4499 of 2025
Date of Judgment/Order: 16 December 2025
