Anticipatory bail refused in GST evasion and bribery probe due to prima facie conspiracy and need for custodial interrogation.

Anticipatory bail in a GST evasion and bribery racket was refused because the investigation disclosed a wider conspiracy involving transporters, passers and departmental officials, and call transcripts and recorded conversations indicated prima facie involvement. The Court held that, at the pre-arrest bail stage, it was not proper to assess whether the material was sufficient for conviction. Retirement from service, a past service record, and the absence of the petitioner's own recorded calls did not outweigh the need for custodial interrogation, especially where the investigation was continuing and there was a risk of witness influence or tampering with evidence.

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Issues: Whether anticipatory bail should be granted to the petitioner in a case alleging involvement in a GST evasion and bribery racket.

Analysis: The allegations disclosed a wider conspiracy involving transporters, passers and departmental officials in facilitating evasion of GST. The material collected during investigation, including call transcripts and recorded conversations, indicated prima facie involvement and suggested that the matter required deeper investigation. The Court held that at the stage of pre-arrest bail it was not appropriate to assess the evidentiary sufficiency for conviction. It further held that retirement from service, past service record and the absence of the petitioner's own recorded calls did not displace the need for custodial interrogation, particularly where the investigation was continuing and the petitioner could influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.

Conclusion: Anticipatory bail was declined as no case was made out for pre-arrest protection.

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