Anticipatory bail sought in an FIR alleging embezzlement of about Rs.4.10 crores by employees via fictitious firm accounts. The State's status report attributed Rs.52,11,546 to the petitioner. Finding the allegations serious and his role substantiated, the court declined anticipatory bail and dismissed the petition.
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CRM-M-7883-2025
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IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH
CRM-M-7883-2025 DECIDED ON: 23.03.2026
PANKAJ KHURANA
.....PETITIONER
VERSUS
STATE OF PUNJAB
.....RESPONDENT
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY VASHISTH.
Present: None for the petitioner.
Mr. Neeraj Madaan, Sr. DAG, Punjab.
Mr. Jagpal Singh, Advocate, for Mr. A.S. Sivia, Advocate, for the complainant.
SANJAY VASHISTH, J (ORAL)
“2. Learned counsel for the petitioner inter alia contends that FIR has been complainant in the FIR is M/s Patanjali Parivahan Pvt. Ltd. and the petitioner is merely working in the company as its employee since the year 2019. He has no connection as beneficiary with the amount, which is allegedly transferred from the complainant – Company’s account to 4/5 other companies account i.e. (i) S.S. Foods Industries
LAVISHA 2026.03.23 18:53 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh
CRM-M-7883-2025
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[(payment made accused No.3 through bank account) Rs.1,72,92,960.00 bogus payment received (through account) -67,02,627.00 -Fraud amount – Rs.1,05,90,333.00], (ii) Devyani International Ltd. [(payment made accused No.3 through bank account) 1,49,75,000.00-Bogus payment received (through account)-40,13,099.00-Fraud amount - 1,09,61,901.00], (iii) Vardhman yarns and Threads Ltd. - [Bogus transaction amount (payment made accused No.3 through bank account) 38,74,023.00Fraud amount – 38,74,023.00], (iv) Medico Hosiery Works – [Bogus transaction amount (payment made accused No.3 through bank account) 17,74,814.00Fraud amount -17,74,814.00], ( v) Doors and Beyond – [Bogus transaction amount (payment made accused No.3 through bank account) 24,87,520.00 -Bogus payment received (through account) -15,50,440.00 - Fraud amount-9,37,080.00], and (vi) MRS Bector Foods Speciality Limited -[Bogus transaction amount (payment made accused No.3 through bank account) 6,03,680.00 -Fraud amount -6,03,680.00].
Besides, counsel submits that the co-accused namely; Jagpreet Singh’s bail petition i.e. CRM-M64960-2024, is pending consideration before this Court for 17.02.2025.
“1. Present petition has been filed by the accused – Jagpreet Singh, seeking anticipatory bail in case FIR No.0186 dated 15.11.2024 registered under Sections 408, 420, 467, 468, 471, 472, 473, 120-B of IPC, at Police Station Moti Nagar, District Ludhiana.
LAVISHA 2026.03.23 18:53 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh
CRM-M-7883-2025
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In the meanwhile, learned State counsel shall file status report in the matter. To be heard along with CRM-M-64960-2024.”
petition, i.e., CRM-M-64960-2024, already stands disposed of, as having been withdrawn by the petitioner therein.
“7. That the present petitioner along with coaccused Ankush Grover being the employees of the Patanjali Parivahan Company had operated multiple bank accounts under the names of fictitious firms, such as M/s Indian Road Corporation and M/s Mega Star, to receive the funds. The investigation confirmed that a total of Rs.4,10,07,997 was transferred to these accounts which have been operated by the co-accused Jagpreet Singh.
LAVISHA 2026.03.23 18:53 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh
CRM-M-7883-2025
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Rs.2,07,61,898, was refunded by co-accused Jagpreet Singh to the account of the complainant company. The remaining amount was distributed among the coaccused viz. Rs.52,11,546 to petitioner Pankaj Khurana, Rs. 80,42,241 to co-accused Ankush Grover, and Rs.69,87,312 retained by the co-accused Jagpreet Singh petitioner. In this way, role of petitioner is proved.”
made out. Accordingly, present petition stands dismissed.
LAVISHA 2026.03.23 18:53 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh
CRM-M-7883-2025
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negligence is found, appropriate action shall be taken against the erring officer, in accordance with law.
23.03.2026 Lavisha Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No
(SANJAY VASHISTH) JUDGE
LAVISHA 2026.03.23 18:53 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document PHHC, Chandigarh
1 issue framed by the court
Whether anticipatory bail should be granted to an employee alleged to have received misappropriated funds through fictitious firm accounts.
8 provisions across 1 enactments
Pankaj Khurana
State of Punjab
Sanjay Vashisth
As recorded by the court registry
Judgements on the same questions, provisions and authorities, from every court
