Mon Nov 25 17:29:49 UTC 2024: ## Gujarat Correspondent of The Hindu Granted Anticipatory Bail in Cheating Case

**Ahmedabad, Gujarat, November 25, 2024** – Mahesh Langa, Gujarat correspondent for The Hindu, has been granted anticipatory bail by an Ahmedabad sessions court in a cheating case filed against him on October 29th. The court’s decision cited several factors, including the fact that the alleged offense is triable by a magistrate, carries a maximum sentence of seven years, and appears to stem from a primarily civil dispute over unpaid money. The court also noted Langa’s residency in Ahmedabad and lack of flight risk.

Langa’s lawyer, A.J. Yagnik, argued that the charges were baseless and that his client had been falsely implicated, pointing out the absence of any mention of Langa’s role in the initial police report (FIR) and his clean criminal record. Yagnik further contended that the charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust were incompatible, requiring proof of malicious intent, which was lacking in both the FIR and subsequent affidavit.

Additional Sessions Judge Hemangkumar Girishkumar Pandya highlighted the significant delay in filing the FIR—from March 1st to October 29th—as a key factor in granting bail. The judge stated that considering the lack of explanation for this delay, he exercised his discretionary power to grant anticipatory bail. The case will now proceed through the legal system.

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