Authority: High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur

Order Date: 17.07.2026

Case Overview

  • Applicant: Manish Poptani, 44, resident of Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
  • Non‑applicant: State of Chhattisgarh represented by S.H.O., Ganj, Raipur.
  • Crime No. 197/2026 registered at Police Station Ganj, Raipur under IPC Sections 193 (false evidence) and 420 (cheating).
  • Complaint by Kamlesh Kumar Kurmi alleges that Shri Vivek Agrawal, Director of 24X7 E Power Limited, purchased land (Khasra No. 117/01, Sheet No. 23, Plot Nos. 28‑30, 7,419 sq ft) after it was attached and sold by Central Bank of India due to default on a term loan and cash credit facility taken by the late Suresh Popatani (business M/s Manish Industries) and his son Manish Popatani.
  • Allegations state that Manish Popatani, using fabricated sale certificate and false affidavit, re‑recorded the land in his father’s name, later obtained a succession‑based mutation in favour of himself, his brother Amit Popatani and mother Indira Devi Popatani, thereby fraudulently attempting to usurp the property belonging to Vivek Agrawal.
  • The FIR was lodged in 2026 for alleged acts that occurred in 2012, a delay of about fourteen years.
  • Applicant’s counsel argues the case is a civil dispute, claims the mutation documents are forged, asserts no criminal intent, and highlights the applicant’s clean record and willingness to cooperate.
  • State counsel contends the allegations involve serious forgery, cheating, and manipulation of official records, recommending custodial interrogation.

Final Outcome

  • The Court, after hearing both sides, found no necessity for custodial interrogation, noting the applicant’s permanent residence, lack of criminal antecedents, and cooperation.
  • The anticipatory bail application under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 is allowed.
  • Conditions imposed:

(a) No inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts to dissuade disclosure.

(b) No act prejudicial to a fair and expeditious trial.

(c) Appear before the trial Court on every date until disposal.

(d) Submit Aadhaar card copy and a coloured full‑size photograph with printed Aadhaar number for verification.

(e) No involvement in any similar offence in the future.

  • Upon arrest, the applicant shall be released on anticipatory bail upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and one surety.

Topics: Anticipatory Bail, Land Fraud