Court: Victim’s consent for pre-arrest bail is immaterial | Mumbai News

Kalyan: Holding that the victim’s consent to granting anticipatory bail was immaterial since it appeared to have been made under duress, a Kalyan sessions court refused relief to an alleged former aide of gangster Chhota Rajan in a murder attempt case.The applicant, Prashant Laxman Deshmukh, and his associates allegedly attacked a railway contractor two weeks ago with a sharp weapon and a paver block in public. He and his aides have been absconding. Additional sessions judge P P Muley observed that the victim had filed a consent affidavit stating he had no objection to Deshmukh getting anticipatory bail. The judge highlighted the possibility of Deshmukh absconding and influencing witnesses and said that considering all factors, it was “not a fit case for grant of protection”. The defence said Deshmukh was not at the crime spot. It said his criminal record should not be considered as no recent offence had been filed. The prosecution said Deshmukh is the alleged leader of the “PD gang” and that the offence was committed at his behest. The court noted that Deshmukh had engaged in business with the victim, but their ties had soured. It also referred to alleged threats made during phone calls prior to the attack.