Authority: Calcutta High Court, Circuit Bench at Jalpaiguri
Order Date: 28 September 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Petitioners Animesh Barman and others (referred to as "Petitioners") versus the State, represented by Additional Assistant Advocate General.
- Proceedings: Application for anticipatory bail filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, relating to Boxirhat Police Station Case No. 178 of 2026.
- Charges: Sections 329(4), 221, 309(4), and 351(2)(3) of the BNS.
- Allegations: Petitioners alleged to be kingpins of an extortion racket. In the first year, UPI receipts from PhonePe amounted to Rs 2.27 crore. Two other petitioners together received approximately Rs 2.5 crore via UPI.
- Timeline: Extortion activities reportedly continued until May 2026.
- Court Observations: The learned Additional Assistant Advocate General submitted that custodial interrogation is necessary. The Court expressed that extortion has been ongoing and therefore is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail.
Final Outcome
- The application for anticipatory bail (CRM (A) 484 of 2026) was disposed of. Bail was denied, and custodial interrogation was ordered.
Topics: Anticipatory Bail, Extortion, Digital Payments