Patna High Court
Rina DeviversusThe State of Bihar
- Decided
- Disposal
- BAIL REJECTED
- Bench
- PRABHAT KUMAR SINGH
Holding
The bail application of the petitioner was denied.
Summary
Rina Devi, a former Mukhiya, was charged under sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly cheating a contractor in a Rs 25.5 lakh LED installation scheme, where she and co‑accused were said to have withdrawn money and failed to return the balance. She applied for bail, claiming innocence, a clean record, and that the case was fabricated due to political rivalry. The State opposed the bail, emphasizing the seriousness of the alleged offences. The Court examined the nature and gravity of the accusations and the risk of tampering with evidence. Considering these factors, the Court rejected the bail application, concluding that the petitioner should remain in custody pending trial.
Issues considered
- What is the appropriate decision on the bail application of a petitioner accused of cheating and criminal breach of trust under sections 406 and 420 IPC?
Legislation cited
- Indian Penal Code — s. 406, 420
Subjects
- bail
- criminal breach of trust
- cheating
- IPC sections 406
- IPC sections 420
- political rivalry
- LED installation scheme
Judgment
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA
CRIMINAL MISCELLANEOUS No.67719 of 2025
Arising Out of PS. Case No.-2608 Year-2022 Thana- EAST CHAMPARAN COMPLAINT
District- East Champaran
======================================================
Rina Devi W/O Mukesh Kumar @ Mukesh Yadav Ex- Mukhiya Gram
Panchayat Raj Gheghwa, Resident of Village- Phajilpur, Police Station-
Rajepur, District- East Champaran at Motihari ... Petitioner/s
Versus
1. The State of Bihar Patna
2. Rajnish Kumar Pandey S/O Dharmendra Kumar Pandey Resident of Village-
Raghunathpur, Police Station- Raghunathpur O.P., District- East Champaran
at Motihari
... ... Opposite Party/s
======================================================
Appearance :
For the Petitioner/s : Mr.Karandeep Kumar, Advocate
For the Opposite Party/s : Mr.Harendra Prasad, A.P.P.
Mr. Abhishek Kumar, Advocate
======================================================
CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE PRABHAT KUMAR SINGH
ORAL ORDER
4 02-02-2026 Heard learned counsel for the parties.
2. Petitioner apprehends arrest in a case registered for
the offence punishable under sections 406/420 of the Indian
Penal Code.
3. As per prosecution case, complainant is a contractor
and for the purpose of installation of LED light in the Panchayat
and village under the government scheme, this petitioner and
another co-accused contacted the complainant and entered into
an agreement for Rs 25,50,000/- for installation of 600 LED
lights in the Panchayat and village. It is stated that the
complainant installed the same in the Panchayat and village as
per contract made between the complainant and the petitioner
and other accused for which the accused persons gave Rs.
5,07,500/- to the complainant and assured him to return the
remaining amount after withdrawal of money. After some time,
complainant came to know that the accused persons withdrew
Patna High Court CR. MISC. No.67719 of 2025(4) dt.02-02-2026
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the money and when the complainant demanded his remaining
amount, they started making excuses, which shows that the
accused persons cheated the complainant.
4. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner
submits that the petitioner is former Mukhia and she is innocent
and has falsely been implicated in this case due to political
rivalry for getting wrongful gain. Petitioner claims clean
antecedent.
5. Learned counsel for the State and the informant
oppose the prayer for bail.
6. Considering the nature and gravity of accusation,
prayer for bail of the petitioner is rejected.
(Prabhat Kumar Singh, J)
shashi/-
U T
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