The Delhi High Court has granted regular bail to Sourab Rawat and Ankit Kumar, who have been in custody for more than three years in connection with the April 2023 murder of a 19-year-old man near Khan Market. Justice Sanjeev Narula allowed their applications on October 17, 2026, while imposing conditions to protect prosecution witnesses and ensure a fair trial.
Background
According to the prosecution, Akash was stabbed to death on April 16, 2023, following a rivalry between two groups. The case was registered under murder provisions, with allegations of criminal conspiracy and common intention. The prosecution relied on CCTV footage, call detail records, recoveries and an alleged oral dying declaration.
Both applicants disputed their alleged individual roles. The Court noted that neither was specifically named in the alleged dying declaration and that the independent witnesses examined so far had not identified either man as having inflicted injuries on the deceased. However, the prosecution’s allegations and supporting material remained relevant for the ongoing trial.
Justice Narula considered the seriousness of the allegations alongside the evidence recorded so far, the applicants’ individual circumstances and the progress of the trial. The prosecution had cited 58 witnesses, but only a small proportion had been examined, with no reasonable indication that the proceedings would conclude shortly.
The Court observed:
“Having considered the allegations and the material relied upon by the prosecution, including the CCTV footage, call detail records, recoveries and the evidence concerning prior hostility, the Court finds that the continued detention of these Applicants is not necessary to secure the purposes of the proceedings. The risks associated with their release can be addressed through appropriate conditions.”
The Court clarified that granting bail did not mean the prosecution’s case was weak or that the allegations of conspiracy and common intention could not ultimately be established.
It further stated:
“This conclusion does not rest upon any finding that the prosecution case is weak, that the Applicants were not members of the alleged group, or that common intention or conspiracy cannot ultimately be established against them. Those questions remain for trial. The Court has only assessed whether, in the circumstances presently obtaining, their continued incarceration is warranted pending determination of guilt.”
The High Court directed the release of both applicants on regular bail upon furnishing personal bonds of ₹25,000 each, with two sureties of the same amount. They must attend court hearings, avoid contacting or influencing prosecution witnesses, report to the investigating officer monthly and obtain court permission before leaving India.
Any breach may lead to cancellation of bail.
