Bhagwant Mann video row: Another gets bail as Gurgaon court flags lack of evidence

In the aftermath of a controversy involving a video allegedly linked to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, a Gurgaon court recently granted bail to another accused in the case. The court, led by Additional Sessions Judge Sudeep Goel, noted the lack of evidence suggesting organized crime during the proceedings. Arjun, a contractual cyber expert with the National Investigation Agency, was arrested on June 23 following allegations that he was part of an organized crime syndicate that had allegedly coerced a digital forensics worker to fabricate a report on the video.

The court explained that for any continued unlawful activity to be considered, there must be legally admissible prima facie evidence. Without such evidence, the state cannot detain a suspect for interrogation or use them as "custodial bait" to build the case under the organized crime provision. The court also observed that the accused had a clean criminal record and that the forensic report on the seized electronic equipment was still pending.

Arjun was granted bail on the condition of providing a Rs 1 lakh bail bond with one surety, surrendering his passport, appearing in court for hearings, and not changing his mobile number without informing the investigating officer. Additionally, he was directed not to threaten, induce, or promise anything to prosecution witnesses.