Rajasthan High Court Reserves Order in High-Profile Cyber Fraud Case, Highlights Potential Larger Conspiracy
In a significant development, the Rajasthan High Court on Friday reserved its order on the anticipatory bail plea of Naveen Temani, who is implicated in an alleged Rs 80 lakh cyber fraud case. The case involves an 83-year-old retired school teacher from Ajmer, with the court flagging concerns about a possible larger conspiracy behind the scam.
Court Proceedings and Legal Arguments
Justice Sameer Jain presided over the hearing, assuring the elderly victim that she "will get justice". During the proceedings, petitioner's counsel Amit Jindal argued that only Rs 5 lakh, allegedly connected to the fraud, was traced to Temani's account. Jindal stated that his client was willing to deposit double this amount as a gesture of good faith.
The defense maintained that the primary responsibility for cheating the bulk of the victim's money lay with Sovan Mandal, the main accused who is already in judicial custody. This argument aimed to downplay Temani's involvement in the larger scheme.
Police Opposition and Warnings of a Wider Network
Opposing the bail plea, Director General of Police Rajiv Sharma addressed the court via video conferencing, emphasizing that the case points to a wider network and could involve multiple victims. "A Look Out Circular has been issued against the accused Temani and extradition proceedings are underway. In this situation, he should not be given any bail," Sharma asserted, highlighting the seriousness of the investigation.
DIG (Cyber) Shantanu also opposed the plea, reinforcing the police's stance. Public prosecutor Rajesh Chaudhary argued that any alleged compromise between the parties cannot dilute the gravity of the offence. He noted that 17 accused have already been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing, suggesting the complexity and scale of the fraud.
Victim's Plight and Court's Compassionate Measures
The elderly complainant, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, was present throughout the proceedings. Earlier, the court had taken note of her vulnerable condition and directed the state government to provide high-quality boarding and lodging in Jaipur, with expenses borne by the state. This order considered that she lives alone in Ajmer and must travel for hearings.
However, the woman declined the offer, stating she was managing on her own. The court was also informed that she felt compelled to accept Rs 10 lakh—far below her total loss of Rs 80 lakh—due to the prolonged nature of the probe, highlighting the emotional and financial toll on victims of such crimes.
Court's Strong Observations and Ongoing Scrutiny
Observing that the case had "shocked the conscience" of the court, the bench had earlier sought complete records and directed senior police officials to join proceedings virtually. This move underscores the court's commitment to a thorough examination of the matter and ensuring accountability.
The reservation of the order indicates that the court is carefully considering all aspects, including the potential for a larger conspiracy, before making a final decision on Temani's anticipatory bail. The outcome could set a precedent for handling similar cyber fraud cases targeting vulnerable individuals in the future.
