Anticipatory bail denied where the accused absconded, a warrant was issued, and investigation had already ended in a charge sheet.

Anticipatory bail under Section 438 CrPC was declined where the allegations concerned illegal tapping and sale of arrack, the investigation had already resulted in a charge sheet, and the petitioner had remained absconding during investigation. The Court also noted that a warrant had been issued by the Trial Court and that the petitioner had not availed earlier anticipatory bail. On these facts, the petitioner was not entitled to anticipatory bail.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to anticipatory bail.

Analysis: The petition was under Section 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. The allegations were of illegal tapping and sale of arrack, and investigation had culminated in filing of the charge sheet. The petitioner had remained absconding and was not available during investigation. A warrant had been issued by the Trial Court, and the petitioner had not availed the earlier anticipatory bail.

Conclusion: The petitioner was not entitled to anticipatory bail.

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