Judge cites lack of direct evidence; imposes strict conditions on movement and conduct
MARGAO
The South Goa Sessions Court on Tuesday granted bail to Altaf Sayed, who was arrested by the Fatorda police, in the Gogol Masjid murder case.
Additional Sessions Judge-2, Sudhir S Shirgaonkar has ordered the release of the applicant upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 25,000 with two identical sureties.
While granting bail, the judge directed the accused to co-operate with the investigation and not tamper with the evidence and not to leave the State of Goa/country without permission from this court. The accused has been told to deposit the passport with the court and not to contact the witnesses directly or indirectly.
The accused shall furnish his mobile number, which is in working condition and shall always be available on the mobile. He has been further told not to visit Sunni Gulistan Masjid, Gogol, Housing Board, till the filing of the chargesheet.
While releasing the accused on bail, the judge said the applicant has already undergone police custody for few days after the arrest and now he is in judicial custody. “What matters is not just the seriousness of the provisions invoked but what is the role of the applicant. The applicant is a resident of Goa. Obviously, the applicant is arrested merely on suspicion which is created because of rivalry amongst the two groups,” the judge said.
The judge added: “To be precise, there is no direct material to connect the applicant with the alleged crime at this stage. The applicant cannot be made to undergo further custody only because mobile is yet to be sent for forensic examination.”
