Anticipatory bail refused in celebratory gunshot injury case; custodial interrogation held necessary for recovery of weapon

Anticipatory bail was refused where a celebratory gunshot allegedly struck the complainant, causing serious injury and amputation. The Court held that payment of medical expenses did not reduce the gravity of the alleged offence, and it declined to examine delay in lodging the FIR at that stage. As the weapon had not yet been recovered, custodial interrogation was considered necessary for effective investigation, and bail was declined.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner was entitled to anticipatory bail in the facts and circumstances of the case.

Analysis: The allegations disclosed that a celebratory gunshot fired during the ceremony hit the complainant and resulted in serious injury and amputation. The Court held that payment of medical expenses did not dilute the seriousness of the alleged offence. It further observed that the issue of delay in lodging the FIR need not be examined at this stage and that the weapon was yet to be recovered. In these circumstances, custodial interrogation was found necessary for effective investigation.

Conclusion: Anticipatory bail was declined.

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