MP High Court Grants Bail To Man Booked For Defrauding Ramakrishna Mission Ashram Official Of ₹2.5 Crore

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday (October 14) granted bail to a man allegedly involved in a cyber fraud case where an official of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram was cheated of Rs. 2 crore by persons who impersonated police officials and used forged documents.

The bench of Justice Milind Ramesh Phadke directed,

"Considering the overall facts and circumstances of the case coupled with the fact that the trial is not likely to conclude in near future and prolonged pre- trial detention being an anathema to the concept of liberty, this Court is inclined to extend the benefit of bail to the applicant". 

Per the prosecution, a complaint was lodged by the Secretary and Manager of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Gwalior, alleging that on March 17, 2025, he received a WhatsApp call from a person impersonating as a police officer from Nashik.

The caller informed him that an FIR was lodged against the complainant under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and showed details of a bank account opened in the complainant's name with transactions amounting to ₹20 crores. 

Under the guise of investigation, the caller obtained confidential financial details of the Ashram and induced the complainant to transfer ₹2.52 crores to several accounts between March 17 to April 11. 

The complainant realised that he had been cheated when the transferred amount was not refunded, and the caller became untraceable and filed a complaint. 

Counsel for the applicant submitted that he was only made an accused based on the memorandum statement of co-accused Tushar Gome, who, allegedly on the instructions of Udayraj (appellant's brother), transferred money to the applicant. 

It was argued that the applicant's brother, Udayraj, was the main accused and that the applicant's role was limited. He argued that he has been in custody since April 19 and that the trial is likely to take a considerable time. 

Counsel for the State opposed the plea, contending that the offence was of a serious nature involving a large sum of money and was organised by cyber fraudsters. 

Emphasizing that prolonged pre-trial detention is anathema to the concept of liberty, the court granted bail to the applicant. 

"Accordingly, without expressing any opinion on merits of the case, this application is allowed and it is directed that the applicant be released on bail on furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) with one solvent surety of the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial Court/committal Court for his appearance on the dates given by the concerned Court". 

Case Title: Karan Vinagya v State of Madhya Pradesh [MCRC-45353-2025]

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 226

For Applicant: Advocate Abhishek Parashar

For State: Public Prosecutor Dinesh Savita

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