Alok Kumar Verma, J
1. The applicant is in judicial custody for the offence under Section 3, Section 5 read with Section 11 of the Uttarakhand Protection of Cow Progeny Act, 2007 in Case Crime No.284 of 2025, registered at Police Station Jhabrera, District Haridwar.
2. According to the First Information Report dated 18.09.2025, a secret information was received by the police on 17.09.2025 that Saajid (applicant) and others are slaughtering a cow in poplar field. The police raided the spot and recovered 190 Kg. beef and other articles from the spot. The applicant was arrested.
3. Heard Mr. Mohd. Safdar, learned counsel for the applicant and Mr. Pradeep Lohani, learned Brief Holder for respondent.
4. Mr. Mohd. Safdar, Advocate contended that the applicant has been falsely implicated in the present matter. Nothing was recovered from his possession. The alleged recovery was planted. There was no independent witness at the time of the alleged recovery. This fact also makes the police story doubtful. Applicant is not a convicted person. He is a permanent resident of District Haridwar, therefore, there is no possibility of his absconding, and, he is in custody since 17.09.2025.
5. Mr. Pradeep Lohani, Brief Holder has opposed the bail application orally.
6. The object of keeping the accused in detention during the investigation is not punishment. The main purpose is manifestly to secure the attendance of the accused.
7. Having considered the submissions of learned counsel for both the parties and in the facts and circumstances of the case, without expressing any opinion as to the merits of the case, this Court is of the view that the applicant deserves bail at this stage.
8. The Bail Application is allowed.
9. Let the applicant – Saajid be released on bail on his executing a personal bond and furnishing two reliable sureties, each in the like amount, to the satisfaction of the court concerned.
