Riyaz Bhat
Ganderbal, March 25: In a significant development, the Court of Additional Sessions Judge, Ganderbal, on Wednesday rejected the bail application of an accused involved in an alleged large-scale online fraud case, citing the serious nature of the charges and the need for a thorough investigation.
The case arises from an FIR No.8/2026 registered at Ganderbal Police Station under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other applicable laws. The accused had sought bail under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
According to the prosecution, the accused is allegedly part of an organized cybercrime network that defrauded multiple victims through deceptive digital platforms. Investigators have uncovered intricate financial operations involving the use of multiple bank accounts and digital channels to divert funds.
While hearing the matter, the court observed that the allegations point to a well-coordinated financial fraud with broader implications for public trust in digital and banking systems. It noted that granting bail at this stage could impede the ongoing investigation and may lead to interference with evidence or witnesses.
The defense, on the other hand, contended that the accused had been falsely implicated and argued that the investigation lacked proper judicial scrutiny. However, the court held that there was sufficient prima facie material connecting the accused to the alleged offences.
Taking into account the gravity of the charges and the current stage of the investigation, the court underscored the necessity of an in-depth probe into the suspected fraud network and declined to grant bail.
The order was passed by Additional Sessions Judge Ms. Fozia Paul on March 25, 2026, after hearing detailed arguments from both sides.
The prosecution was represented by Additional Public Prosecutor Shafaat Ahmad on behalf of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, while the accused were represented by their respective counsel.
