In Bail Appln. 3103/2023 -DEL HC- Delhi High Court grants bail to accused in visa fraud & cheating case
Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma [18-09-2023]

Read Order: Balraj Kishore V. State of NCT of Delhi Through SHO

Chahat Varma

New Delhi, September 19, 2023: The High Court of Delhi has granted bail to a man, who was arrested in connection with a case of cheating and visa fraud.

The present bail application was filed, seeking relief in a case, registered under Sections 420, 468, 471, 34, and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Briefly stated, the case revolved around an FIR filed on the complaint of Mr. Miroj Kumar. He alleged that he had been deceived by Mr. Neeraj Kathuria and Ms. Aaditi, also known as Cheenu Kathuria, who had promised to arrange visas for him to various countries. The complainant claimed that he was provided with fake visas and tickets, resulting in a fraudulent transaction amounting to Rs. 20,33,000.

The applicant’s counsel argued that, according to the prosecution's case, Cheenu Kathuria was the mastermind behind the alleged scam. It was also pointed out that another accused, Neeraj Kathuria, along with co-accused Cheenu Kathuria, had already been granted regular bail. Furthermore, the counsel contended that Balraj Kishore (applicant) was simply an employee of Cheenu Kathuria.

The prosecution strongly opposed the bail application, contending that the applicant was involved in an international-level racket. It was argued that the applicant actively participated in arranging fake visas and tickets and pointed out that during his apprehension, the applicant was found in possession of two mobile phones, a sum of Rs 1,20,200 in cash, and one laptop.

The single-judge bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma noted that the investigation in this case had been concluded, and a charge sheet had been filed. The trial was expected to be protracted. Importantly, there were no allegations of the applicant's involvement in other cases. Additionally, the co-accused, had already been granted regular bail.

In view of the above circumstances, the applicant was granted bail.