Authority: High Court for the States of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh
Order Date: 15 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Kanchan Kanchi Reddy (Accountant, Sri Chaitanya Techno School).
- Co‑accused: Malle Ravindra (Zonal Accountant).
- Respondent: State of Punjab.
- FIR No.59 dated 07.03.2026 registered under Sections 316(5), 318(4), 336(2), 338, 336(3), 340(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, based on statement of Assistant General Manager (Punjab) Polawarapu Chaitanya of Sri Chaitanya Techno School.
- Allegation: Misappropriation of Rs 2,535,537 collected as student fees from 19‑23 February 2026 at the school campus in Dhuri, Punjab. The amount was allegedly not deposited in the school’s Axis Bank account, but diverted to personal accounts and spent.
- Investigation: Arrest of petitioner and co‑accused on 09 March 2026; petitioner gave a statement admitting involvement; audit ongoing; no material recovery from petitioner; challan filed; trial underway.
- Petition: Filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 seeking regular bail, arguing lack of evidence, online fee collection, clean antecedents, and prolonged custody since 09 March 2026.
Final Outcome
- The Court held that custodial interrogation is no longer required, no risk of absconding or tampering, and the petitioner has clean antecedents.
- Regular bail granted to Kanchan Kanchi Reddy, subject to furnishing personal/surety bond as per the trial Court/Duty Magistrate.
- Prosecution may apply for cancellation of bail if petitioner is implicated in any subsequent case.
- The observations are limited to the bail petition and do not affect the merits of the underlying criminal case.
Topics: Criminal Bail, Education Fraud