Rishikanth Gupta, S/O. Mohanlal Gupta & Ors vs State Of Andhra Pradesh

Dr. Venkata Jyothirmai Pratapa, J

The instant Criminal Petition is filed under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, by the Petitioners / Accused Nos.3 and 4 seeking anticipatory bail in connection with Crime No.70 of 2026 on the file of III Town Police Station, Rajahmundry, East Godavari District for the offences under Sections 316(5), 338, 336(3), 340(2) and 61(2) read with 3(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Ms.V.V.N.V.Teja, learned counsel for the Petitioners would submit that the Petitioners herein are the Employer’s Trustees and they are innocents of the offences alleged against them. Learned counsel would further submit that this Court vide Order dated 12.03.2026 in Crl.P.No.1786 of 2026 granted protection to Accused No.1 directing the Police to follow the procedure contemplated under Section 35(3) of BNSS and the same protection may be given to the present Petitioners also.

Ms.K.Priyanka Lakshmi, learned Public Prosecutor fairly conceded the same and would submit that the Court may pass appropriate orders.

Considering the submissions, this Criminal Petition is disposed of with the following;

a. Investigating Officer is at liberty to complete the investigation, in accordance with law.

b. In the event of any coercive action sought to be taken against the Petitioners, concerned Police Authorities are directed to scrupulously follow the procedure prescribed under Section 35(3) of BNSS and the guidelines laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014) 8 SCC 273, which is reiterated in in Satender Kumar Antil vs. CBI and another 2026 INSC 115.

c. Petitioners shall cooperate with the investigation and furnish information / material documents whatever available / required to the investigating agency.

Pending applications, if any, shall stands closed.