Allahabad High Court Grants Conditional Bail in 2025 Aligarh Murder Case
The Allahabad High Court has granted conditional bail to a key accused in the high-profile 2025 murder case of Aligarh bike showroom owner Abhishek Gupta. Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal approved the bail application of Pooja Shakun Pandey, also known as former Mahamandaleshwar Annapurna Bharti, on Monday.
Background of the Case
Abhishek Gupta was tragically shot dead on September 26, 2025. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed the following day, two bike-borne assailants opened fire at Gupta while he was traveling on a bus. The police investigation alleged that Pandey and her husband were part of the conspiracy behind this brutal murder.
The prosecution presented evidence indicating that there were 11 calls made from Pandey's phone to the mobile number of co-accused Faizal. However, Pandey's defense counsel strongly argued that apart from these call detail records, there was no conclusive evidence directly linking her to the alleged conspiracy.
Court's Observations and Reasoning
In its detailed order, the Allahabad High Court made several critical observations:
- The role of causing firearm injuries was specifically attributed to co-accused Faizal and Asif
- Both Faizal and Asif were clearly identified in CCTV footage from the crime scene
- Firearms used in the murder were recovered based on their statements
- Only the role of conspiracy was assigned to Pooja Shakun Pandey
- The court found insufficient conclusive material establishing her direct involvement in the conspiracy
Justice Deshwal noted in the order: "Since the applicant is a woman and keeping in view the evidence placed on record, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the applicant is entitled to be enlarged on bail."
Conditions of Bail
The court imposed specific conditions for the bail grant:
- Pooja Shakun Pandey must fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation
- She must participate in all trial proceedings as required
- She cannot tamper with evidence or influence witnesses
- She must comply with all legal requirements during the judicial process
The court emphasized that this bail decision was made without expressing any opinion on the ultimate merits of the case, preserving the integrity of the ongoing trial process.
This development marks a significant turn in the high-profile murder case that has drawn considerable attention in Uttar Pradesh. The investigation continues as authorities work to establish stronger evidentiary links between all accused parties and the alleged conspiracy behind Abhishek Gupta's murder.
