Orissa HC Rejects Pre-Arrest Bail of GST Officer Accused of Embezzling ₹71.03 Lakhs in Public Funds [Read Order]

In a recent ruling, the Orissa High Court rejected the pre-arrest bail plea of a GST Officer, who was accused of misappropriating Rs. 71.03 lakh in public funds while serving in the Jatni Circle, Odisha.

Kamalakanta Singh had filed a pre-arrest bail application in connection with G.R. Case No. 195 of 2022, pending before the J.M.F.C., Jatni. This case arose when he was charged under Section 409 of the IPC for criminal breach of trust by a public servant. The prosecution alleged that he embezzled funds while discharging his official duties as a GST Officer.

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The petitioner’s counsel argued that the entire case was based on documentary evidence, making custodial interrogation unnecessary. The petitioner’s counsel submitted that the petitioner had already deposited Rs. 16.50 lakh as a partial repayment, without prejudice to his legal rights.

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The department opposed the bail plea, arguing that the offense was a serious economic crime involving public money, and custodial interrogation was important for further investigation.

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After examining the case details, Justice V. Narasingh observed that the allegations were grave and warranted further investigation. Considering the nature of the economic offense and the petitioner’s alleged involvement, the court held that anticipatory bail was not justified and dismissed the pre-arrest bail application.

To Read the full text of the Order CLICK HERE

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