Forging of DoB: Court rejects bail of Spl Secy Home

JAMMU: Special Judge Anticorruption Jammu Yash Pal Bourney on Wednesday rejected bail application of Dr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, Special Secreatry Home, who was arrested by Crime Branch for forging his Date of Birth.

While rejecting bail application, Special Judge Anticorruption Jammu Yash Pal Bourney after hearing APP Himanshu Parkash for Crime Branch observed that the initial appointment of accused/applicant and his dramatic rise in position from a Helper to Law Officer together with plum postings he enjoyed throughout his service career, couldn’t have happened without blessings of some insider(s) in top notch of the State Administration, who are yet to be identified. Moreover, no clear-cut answer is forthcoming to all these vital aspects of the matter since accused has not divulged anything during the course of interrogation. Thus, the accusations against accused having been involved in commission of heinous and non-bailable offences which carry imprisonment of lifetime or ten years are well founded. Further, investigation is at the initial stage and conduct of accused has not been very encouraging for the investigating agency. In the given circumstances, releasing him on bail at this stage would be detrimental and certainly jeopardise interest of the free, fair, just and impartial investigation.

Further, his very presence outside would be an open intimidation to witnesses and will go in long way to deter them from coming forward to depose against him on account of his socio-political clout and influence, as is apparent from records. The manner, in which accused made entry into the public service and then further elevations/plum postings and then went on to tampering/got tampered his date of birth in service record is something, which is thoroughly against the probity and standards of conduct expected from a public servant.

Therefore, it would be against interest of society at large and send a wrong signal to masses if bail is granted at this stage. As such, there is no merit in instant application and the same deserves to be dismissed.