Gujarat High Court Denies Bail to Murder Accused Who Evaded Arrest for 24 Years

The Gujarat High Court has rejected the regular bail plea of Ramu alias Prembaba Verma (Katheriya), who remained absconding for 24 years in a 2001 murder and robbery case registered at Danilimda Police Station.

The application was filed under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, in connection with offences registered under Sections 302, 392, 397, 460, 120B and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Court Cites Gravity of Offences and Flight Risk

While rejecting the bail plea, the High Court considered the seriousness of the charges, the active role allegedly played by the accused and his prolonged evasion of arrest.

The court also noted that the applicant hailed from Uttar Pradesh, citing this factor while assessing the risk of him fleeing from the judicial process.

Relying on Supreme Court precedents, the court held that the gravity of the alleged offences and the accused's history of evasion did not favour the grant of bail.

Trial Court Directed to Complete Proceedings Within 15 Weeks

While dismissing the application, the High Court directed the trial court to expedite the proceedings and conclude the trial within 15 weeks.

The court also called for full cooperation from both the accused and the prosecution to ensure the timely completion of the trial.