Gujarat High Court Grants Bail to Mastermind in Gyaneshwar Ashram Temple ₹25 Lakh Gold Heist Case

The Gujarat High Court has granted regular bail to Rohit Vanjara, the accused mastermind behind a high-profile temple burglary at the Mahakali temple in Gyaneshwar Ashram, Idar, which resulted in the fatal stabbing of a disciple.

The case stems from a First Information Report (FIR) registered at the Idar Police Station in Sabarkantha district under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Gujarat Police Act.

The Heist and Murder Plot

According to the prosecution, Vanjara conspired with accomplices to loot ₹25 lakh worth of gold and ₹15 lakh in cash from the temple premises. During the execution of the burglary, the temple disciple woke up, prompting co-accused individuals armed with a knife to fatally assault him.

While investigators placed Vanjara as the mastermind behind the planning of the break-in, the court noted that the record lacked evidence linking him directly to the physical assault or the murder conspiracy itself.

Court Observations and Bail Conditions

In its ruling, the bench observed that the police investigation has concluded and the charge-sheet has already been filed. The court also took note of the fact that Vanjara has remained incarcerated since May 26, 2026.

Stating that prolonged incarceration pending a protracted trial amounts to pre-trial punishment, the bench reiterated the constitutional principle that bail is the rule and jail is the exception under Article 21.

The High Court approved the regular bail plea on a personal bond of ₹25,000 alongside one surety of the equivalent amount. The relief remains subject to stringent conditions, which include:

• Surrendering passports to authorities
• Mandated regular reporting to local police
• Strict prohibition against tampering with evidence or intimidating prosecution witnesses