‘Strikes at root of public welfare’: Delhi court denies pre-arrest bail to man booked in LPG cylinder hoarding case

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Ashesh Kumar, opposing the bail plea, has argued that the case involved illegal procurement, transportation and black marketing of LPG cylinders, which directly affected public distribution and public safety.

As per the prosecution, Kumar was the main conspirator and owner of the vehicle used in the commission of offence. He also allegedly didn’t join the investigation initially.

The APP told the court that the probe was at a crucial stage and custodial interrogation of Mukesh Kumar was required to unearth the entire conspiracy, including identifying the source of procurement, the supply chain and other co-conspirators. He argued that there was a likelihood of Mukesh tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses if granted anticipatory bail.

The court said, “In the present case, the allegations pertain to illegal procurement and black marketing of LPG cylinders, which prima facie indicate an organised activity having wider ramifications on public safety and distribution system. The role attributed to the applicant is distinct and more serious, as he is stated to be the owner of the vehicle used in the offence and part of the alleged conspiracy.”

“The investigation is at a crucial stage and custodial interrogation appears necessary to unearth the complete chain of procurement, transportation and illegal distribution, as well as to analyse electronic evidence including CDR,” the judge said, adding that economic offences involving deep-rooted conspiracies require a different approach while considering bail.