The Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted regular bail to Karambir alias Karmu, who has been in custody for more than four years in a case involving the deaths of two persons. Justice Manisha Batra passed the order on July 30, 2026, noting the limited role attributed to the petitioner and the considerable time likely to be required for completion of the trial.
Background of the Case
The case arises from FIR No. 119 dated February 25, 2022, registered at Police Station Pataudi, Gurugram, under Sections 148, 149, 302, 201 and 120-B of the IPC.
According to the complaint, firing took place outside a house on February 25, 2022, resulting in the deaths of Paramjit Singh and Sujit Singh. During the investigation, Karambir was arrested on March 15, 2022. The prosecution alleged that he helped facilitate the procurement of firearms, provided shelter to accused persons and assisted in their escape.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that he was not named in the FIR, was not alleged to be one of the shooters and no firearm had been recovered from him. It was also submitted that he had remained in custody since March 15, 2022, while only 38 of the 91 prosecution witnesses had been examined.
The State and complainant opposed bail, alleging that the petitioner was linked with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and had remained in contact with other accused through Signal and WhatsApp. They also raised concerns about possible witness intimidation and absconding.
Court's Observation
Justice Manisha Batra observed that the role attributed to the petitioner was that of a facilitator in the alleged procurement of firearms and harbouring of co-accused, rather than direct participation in the alleged shooting.
The Court noted that the material connecting him with the alleged supply of firearms and harbouring primarily rested on a disclosure statement of a co-accused and circumstantial inference. It observed that the evidentiary assessment would be for the trial court.
“The further pre-trial incarceration of the petitioner would not serve the ends of justice,” the Court remarked, considering that he had already spent about four years and four months in custody and that only 38 of 91 prosecution witnesses had been examined.
Decision
The High Court allowed the bail petition and directed Karambir to be released on bail upon furnishing personal and surety bonds to the satisfaction of the concerned trial court or magistrate.
The Court imposed conditions requiring him to appear on each date of hearing, refrain from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, surrender his passport if applicable, provide mobile phone and Aadhaar details, and report to the concerned police station on the first Monday of every alternate month during the trial.
The Court clarified that its observations were made only for deciding the bail petition and would not affect the merits of the case.
Case Title: Karambir @ Karmu v. State of Haryana
Case Number: CRM-M-32145-2026 (O&M)
