HC grants bail to ITR espionage accused
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Behera was one of four DRDO contractual employees arrested in the sensational case that was initially investigated by the state police and later transferred to the State CID-Crime Branch. The case involved allegations of leaking sensitive missile testing information to a foreign handler.
Justice Gourishankar Satapathy, while granting bail on July 1, underscored the importance of the constitutional right to a speedy trial under Article 21.
The court observed, "If the state is unable to provide a speedy trial, it should not oppose the plea of bail merely on the ground that the crime committed is serious."
The court noted that Behera had earlier availed interim bail on two occasions without violating any of the imposed conditions. Considering his prolonged incarceration, his compliant conduct during interim release, and the bail already granted to co-accused Sachin Kumar Chhata and Tapas Ranjan Nayak, the court found sufficient grounds to approve Behera's bail application.
Advocate Ashutosh Mishra, appearing on Behera's behalf, confirmed that all necessary procedures are being expedited for his client's release. "As of now, Basanta Kumar Behera is in Balasore Jail. We are in the process of fulfilling the bail conditions, and he is expected to be released within a day or two," Mishra told TOI on Monday.
Behera was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh with two solvent sureties. He has been directed to report to the local police station once every fortnight for the next six months, preferably on Sundays. Additionally, he must not leave the jurisdiction of the trial court without prior permission and is required to submit his current residential address, mobile number, and other relevant details to both the court and investigating agency.
The trial, currently pending before the 3rd additional sessions judge in Balasore, has made little progress in the past nearly four years.
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