A local court in Srinagar on Saturday rejected the bail application of Gurpeet Singh, one of the accused in a sophisticated cybercrime scheme that defrauded a senior citizen of Rs 4 lakh through a “digital arrest” scam.
The court, presided over by Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar Aadil Mushtaq, found that the accused’s alleged involvement in running a “mule account” – a bank account used to launder illicit funds – warranted his continued detention.
Singh, a resident of Kataria Niwas, Patiala Punjab was arrested by the cyber police station Kashmir in connection with FIR no 26 of 2024 which was registered under section 66-D of IT Act, 3(5), 61 (2), 111(3), 318(4) AND 351(2) OF BNS.
The court observed that “cyber crimes are increasing at an alarming rate” and that such offenses “are to be taken seriously, since otherwise similar offences of much more monetary value and stakes are likely to happen more frequently.”
The judgement detailed the allegations against Gurpeet Singh, stating that he was actively involved in a scam where a senior citizen was subjected to a “digital arrest” and coerced into transferring Rs 21 lakh to scammers.
Singh’s role, according to the prosecution, was to receive a portion of the stolen funds – Rs 4 lakh – in his account and subsequently withdraw the money through ATMs.
The court pointed out the seriousness of the offense, stating that “the offence committed by the accused is serious and besides this the presumption that the accused is innocent is not likely to be affected because the presumption will continue during the trial also and it is for the prosecution to establish the case against the accused beyond any shadow of doubt.”
The order further highlighted the potential for the accused to tamper with evidence or abscond if released on bail. “There is genuine apprehension of the petitioner tampering with the prosecution evidence and absconding, if granted bail,” the court stated.
The court also acknowledged the importance of individual liberty but emphasized that it “needs to be balanced against the interests of whole society and the interests of society are to be preferred over the individual interest.”
The court ultimately concluded that “this is a fit case for invoking exception to the general rule” and that granting bail to Singh would be “devoid of merit.”
The prosecution in the case was represented by Assistant Public Prosecutor Mohammad Latief Lone, while the accused was defended by Advocate Abrar Hussain Khan. (KDC)
