JAMMU, OCTOBER 10: The Prosecution Department, J&K, today commended its Public Prosecutors, whose firm and well-reasoned opposition resulted in the rejection of four bail applications on 8 and 10 October 2026: three under the BNS, POCSO & SC/ST Act and one under BNS & POCSO Act.
On October 10, 2026, the Principal Sessions Judge, Kishtwar Sh. Sudhir Kumar Khajuria, dismissed the bail applications of Sonika Parihar, Zareena Begum and Peer Baksh Bumal in the Chatroo case (FIR No. 27/2026, PS SCW Crime Branch, Jammu), concerning the death of a minor girl and offences under Section 61(2), 65 (1), 90, 91, 92 BNS 2023 and 4,6,8,10,17 POCSO Act 2012 and 3(1) (w) (i), 3(2) V and 3(2) (V) (a) SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.
The Ld. Public Prosecutor Mr. Anshuman Dubay, assisted by Mr. Irfan Khan, Advocate for the victim, filed detailed objections and argued all three applications with meticulous preparation.
They stressed the gravity of the allegations, punishment extending to life imprisonment, and the ongoing investigation, with DNA/FSL reports awaited. They highlighted the real apprehension of witnesses being influenced.
The Prosecution also raised crucial legal points, such as, the requirement of notice to the victim's family under Section 40 of the POCSO Act and Rule 4, and non-compliance with disclosure requirements under the High Court notification and the Supreme Court's judgment in Zeba Khan v. State of UP.
The Medical grounds were rebutted by showing that the appropriate care is available in custody and applying settled Supreme Court principles, the Court held that the investigation is still continuing and the stage did not warrant minute scrutiny of evidence.
It is observed that one applicant's ailments appeared age-related, not life-threatening, and dismissed the applications. In another matter, On 08 October 2026, the Principal Sessions Judge, Budgam Sh. O.P. Bhagat, rejected the bail application of Bilal Ahmad Bhat in FIR No. 75/2026 (P/S Beerwah) under Section 137(2) BNS and Sections 3/4 of the POCSO Act.
Ld. Public Prosecutor Sh. Suhaib Ashraf filed detailed objections, stressing the gravity of the allegations and the risk of evidence tampering.
The Court held that public interest and the interest of the victim’s family outweighed personal liberty, and that delay in recording witness statements is no ground for bail in POCSO cases.
The Department commended again the dedication of its Public Prosecutors and reaffirmed its commitment to justice for victims, child protection and fair, evidence-based Prosecution.
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