Scrap Tycoon Ravi Kana Secures Anticipatory Bail in Noida Extortion Case
In a significant legal development, scrap tycoon and UP Gangsters Act-accused Ravi Kana has been granted anticipatory bail by a sessions court in Noida. This ruling provides him temporary protection from arrest, following his controversial and erroneous release from Banda jail last month. The decision comes amid intense police scrutiny and a series of legal complications surrounding his case.
Court Conditions and Bail Details
District and Sessions Judge Atul Srivastava presided over the hearing, imposing strict conditions on Kana. If arrested, he must be released upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 35,000 along with a surety. The judge mandated that Kana must not influence any witnesses or individuals connected to the case. Additionally, he is required to appear before the investigating officer within seven days without awaiting formal notice. The court has also prohibited Kana from leaving the country without prior permission, ensuring his availability for ongoing legal proceedings.
Background of the Case and Erroneous Release
The bail pertains to FIR number 20/2026, registered at Noida Sector 63 police station. The charges include sections under the BNS for criminal intimidation, extortion, and acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention. The complaint was filed by builder Shailendra Sharma on January 14, alleging that Kana issued death threats on the orders of Pankaj Parashar, who ran a news portal and was accused of extortion in 2021.
Kana's release from Banda jail on January 29 was marked by administrative error. A B-warrant had been issued for his production in court for remand, but jail authorities released him without a corresponding court order. This misstep led to a show-cause notice being sent to the jail superintendent, who has since been suspended. Police have been actively searching for Kana since his release, highlighting the gravity of the oversight.
Legal Arguments and Defense Claims
Kana's counsel, Lalit Mohan Gupta, presented a robust defense, arguing that his client has been accused in 29 cases but has obtained bail in all of them. Gupta claimed that the Noida police commissioner holds a personal grudge against Kana, threatening him in prison and recalling security guards provided to him. He further alleged that the January 14 FIR was filed maliciously, three years after other cases, to prevent Kana's release after he secured bail in previous matters.
In response, the government's counsel dismissed these allegations as baseless, noting that the police commissioner was appointed in 2023, whereas Kana had 14 cases registered against him before that year in the NCR region. After hearing both sides, Judge Srivastava observed that the incident occurred in 2021 and that Kana is not directly charged with putting someone in fear of death or grievous hurt. The judge emphasized that, without delving into the case's merits, bail could be granted as the offence is to be tried in a magistrate's court.
Implications and Ongoing Legal Battle
This ruling underscores the complexities of high-profile criminal cases in India, where legal technicalities and procedural errors can significantly impact outcomes. Kana's anticipatory bail application, filed on February 2, reflects a strategic move to preempt arrest while navigating multiple charges. The case continues to draw attention due to its connections to extortion, gangster activities, and alleged police misconduct, setting the stage for further legal confrontations in the coming months.
