Praveenkumar v. The State of Tamilnadu Rep by the Inspector of Police, Idol Wing

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT ( Criminal Jurisdiction ) Date : 07.05.2026 PRESENT THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY CRL OP(MD)No.8317 of 2026 Praveenkumar ... Petitioner/ A4 Vs

1.The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by The Inspector of Police, Idol Wing Chennai Police Station, Idol Wing, Chennai. (Crime No.2 of 2026)

2.The Sub Inspector of Polcie, Idol Wing CID, Kumbakonam Range, Thanjavur District. ... Respondents/Complainants For Petitioner : Mr.B.Arun

For Respondent : Mr.E.Antony Sahaya Prabahar

Additional Public Prosecutor

PETITION FOR ANTICIPATORY BAIL Under Sec.482 of BNSS PRAYER :- For Anticipatory Bail in Crime No.2 of 2026, on the file of the respondent Police. ORDER : The Court made the following order :- The petitioner, who apprehends arrest at the hands of the respondent police for the offences punishable under Sections 35(1)(e) and 106(1) of B.N.S.S. and Section 305(d) of the B.N.S., in Crime No.2 of 2026 on the file of the respondent police, seeks anticipatory bail.

¶2The case of the prosecution is that, on 06.02.2026, based on secret information received from an informant, the respondent police intercepted a suspiciously stationary vehicle near a large vacant field beside the National Highway connecting Thanjavur to Chennai. On search, it was revealed that the petitioner and other accused were involved in illegally smuggling antique sculptures. Hence, the complaint.

¶3The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is innocent person and he has not committed any offence as alleged by the prosecution. He further submitted that the petitioner is ready and willing to abide by any conditions which may be imposed by this Court. Hence, he seeks anticipatory bail to the petitioner.

¶4The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submitted that based on credible secret information, the respondent police intercepted a suspiciously parked vehicle near a vacant field beside the National Highway connecting Thanjavur to Chennai, and on search, it was revealed that the petitioner along with other accused persons was involved in the illegal smuggling of antique sculptures. It is further submitted that the offence involves smuggling of valuable antiquities, which is of serious nature affecting national heritage, and custodial interrogation of the petitioner is necessary for effective investigation. Hence, he opposed the grant of anticipatory bail and sought dismissal of the petition.

¶5This Court, on considering the materials placed on record and the nature and gravity of the allegations, finds that the case pertains to the illegal smuggling of antique sculptures, which are protected and valuable heritage items. The petitioner is stated to have been apprehended in connection with the transportation of such idols, and prima facie materials indicate his involvement. Considering the seriousness of the offence, the likelihood of tampering with evidence, and the necessity for custodial interrogation, this Court is of the view that the petitioner is fully aware of the details relating to the antique idols and the gravity of the offence alleged against him. In such circumstances, this Court is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner. Accordingly, the petition stands dismissed. (S S Y J)

07.05.2026 To The Inspector of Police, Idol Wing Chennai Police Station, Idol Wing, Chennai. (Crime No.2 of 2026)

2.The Sub Inspector of Polcie, Idol Wing CID, Kumbakonam Range, Thanjavur District.

¶3The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.

S.SRIMATHY, J. smn2 ORDER IN CRL OP(MD)No.8317 of 2026

07.05.2026