The Punjab and Haryana High Court has denied anticipatory bail to Vijay Kumar Poddar, a Chandigarh departmental store owner, in connection with an explosion that killed three persons and involved the recovery of 18 gas cylinders. Justice Parmod Goyal dismissed the petition, citing the serious nature of the offence and the illegal refilling of cylinders that led to the deaths of Munna, Mahesh, and Gopi, who were residing in an adjoining room in the same building.
Details of the Incident and FIR
The case originates from an FIR registered on May 26, 2026, under Sections 326(g), 124(1), and 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, at the Sector 34 South police station in Chandigarh. According to the prosecution, the explosion occurred during the illegal refilling of gas cylinders in a room belonging to the petitioner. Authorities recovered 18 cylinders and six nozzles from the spot, highlighting the scale of the illegal operation.
Petitioner's Arguments and Court's Observations
During the hearing, Poddar's counsel argued that he was a victim of the incident, having sustained serious burn injuries, and was initially treated at Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, before being transferred to a hospital in Zirakpur. The counsel claimed that Poddar was incapable of signing documents due to his injuries and had been falsely implicated, with no involvement in the incident.
Justice Goyal noted the severity of the offence, stating, "The offence was of serious nature resulting in explosion due to illegal activities of refilling of cylinders causing damage to the property as well as injuries and death of three persons." The court also emphasized the recovery of 18 cylinders and six nozzles from the petitioner's room, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
State's Opposition and Custodial Interrogation
The State opposed the bail plea, arguing that the explosion occurred while Poddar was illegally refilling gas cylinders in a room under his possession. The prosecution submitted that a large number of cylinders were recovered, and custodial interrogation was necessary given the seriousness and nature of the offence. The court agreed, finding no grounds to grant anticipatory bail.
High Court's Final Ruling
Justice Goyal concluded that the petition lacked merit, observing, "On consideration, I find no reasons for grant of anticipatory bail in the facts and circumstances of the present case." The court dismissed the petition, affirming that the illegal refilling activity led to a tragic explosion resulting in loss of life and property damage.
