PANAJI
Royson Rodrigues, accused of masterminding a land grab racket by allegedly faking documents before government officials, has been granted bail in two cases after the investigation agency failed to convince the court on the need for his extended custody.
Rodrigues, represented by Adv Sahil Sardesai before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, had been in judicial custody in connection with cases involving forged property documents and alleged multi-crore land-grabbing cases. Opposing his bail plea during the hearing, the Investigating Officer (IO) objected to his bail plea, citing the gravity of the offence and the threat posed to evidence and witnesses.
“The offence committed by the accused is very serious in nature. He is the kingpin of the land grab syndicate gang,” the IO submitted, while adding that Rodrigues had not cooperated with the investigation.
The prosecution further argued that fraudulent documents and instruments used in their preparation were yet to be recovered, and that releasing Rodrigues on bail could result in tampering with evidence.
“The applicant accused and his associates are suspected in other crimes. If bailed out, he will destroy material evidence and threaten witnesses,” the IO contended.
The agency also submitted that Rodrigues and his alleged accomplices had victimised innocent citizens by grabbing properties, procuring forged stamp papers, and carrying out illegal cash deals in property transactions. “The accused has challenged the entire government system and the departments of the State. This organised economic offence has left a big dent on the economy of Goa,” the IO told the court, while urging rejection of the bail plea.
However, JMFC Mapusa, Suman Gad, noted that the IO had failed to present any strong grounds to justify continued custody. “There is no instance stated by the IO which would create an apprehension prima facie that the accused will commit a similar offence or tamper with the evidence,” the court observed.
“The grounds stated by the IO are not sufficient to detain the accused in judicial custody and the said objections could be dealt with by imposing necessary conditions. Accordingly, for the above reasons, I am of the view that the accused is entitled to be released on bail,” the order read while imposing conditions for bail.
