B. P. Routray, J
1. The matter is taken up through hybrid mode.
2. Heard Mr. S.P. Jena, learned counsel for the Petitioner and Mr. K.K. Das, learned Additional Standing Counsel for Opposite Party - State.
3. This application under Section 439 Cr.P.C. is for grant of bail to the Petitioner Bakula Behera in connection with Bhadrak Rural P.S. Case No.210
of 2017 corresponding to S.T. Case No.20 of 2020 (G.R. Case No.673 of 2017) pending in the court of learned Additional Sessions Judge, Bhadrak
for alleged commission of offence under Sections 147/143/144/148/149/341/323/294/307/302 of the Indian Penal Code.
4. It is submitted on behalf of the Petitioner that he is inside custody since 9th August 2019 and the trial is yet to complete. It is further submitted that
the Petitioner is standing on similar footing with co-accused Sridhar Behera, who has already been released on bail by this court.
5. Heard Mr. K.K. Das, learned ASC for State and perused the copies of depositions of P.W.1 to P.W.4.
6. This is a case of double murder and there are eye witnesses to the occurrence. Having gone through the evidences of P.W.1 and other witnesses
examined in course of trial, I am not inclined to release the Petitioner on bail. So far as the contention regarding parity with Sridhar Behera is
concerned, the Petitioner is not found standing on similar footing with him since he remained absconded for around 2 years and facing trial in the split
up case. As such, the prayer for bail is rejected.
7. However, considering the delay in completion of trial, learned trial court is directed to take expeditious steps for early completion of the same,
preferably within a period of six months from the date of receipt of copy of this order.
8. The BLAPL is accordingly disposed of.
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