
Wed Feb 04 14:58:49 UTC 2026: # Mangaluru Court Grants Bail to Accused in Migrant Laborer Assault Case
The Story:
A Mangaluru district court has granted bail to R. Radheesh Das, Dhanush, Sagar, and Mohan Das, who were arrested for assaulting a migrant laborer, Diljan Ansari, from Jharkhand. The accused allegedly abused and assaulted Ansari on January 11, 2026, branding him as Bangladeshi. The victim, Ansari, opposed the bail application, citing a 2018 Supreme Court ruling on the importance of upholding human dignity and the rule of law.
Despite Ansari’s opposition, the 3rd Additional District and Sessions Judge, S.G. Sunitha, ordered the release of the four accused on a personal bond of ₹ 1 lakh each, with conditions including not tampering with witnesses, appearing in court for all hearings, and reporting to the Station House Officer every 3rd Saturday until the trial’s conclusion.
Key Points:
- Four individuals – R. Radheesh Das, Dhanush, Sagar, and Mohan Das – were granted bail.
- The victim, Diljan Ansari, was allegedly assaulted on January 11, 2026, and branded as Bangladeshi despite showing his Aadhaar card.
- The accused are charged under Sections 109, 118(1), 126(2), 351(3), 352, and 353 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- The court set bail conditions, including a personal bond of ₹ 1 lakh each and regular reporting to the police.
- The victim cited a 2018 Supreme Court ruling in his objection to the bail.
Key Takeaways:
- The granting of bail highlights a potential tension between judicial discretion and the concerns of victims of alleged hate crimes.
- The incident underscores the ongoing vulnerability of migrant laborers to prejudice and violence, often fueled by xenophobic narratives.
- The court’s emphasis on conditions like appearing in court and not tampering with witnesses suggests an attempt to balance the accused’s right to bail with the need to ensure a fair trial.
- The reference to the Supreme Court ruling on human dignity emphasizes the legal and moral importance of preventing such assaults.
- The fact that the victim presented proof of identification (Aadhar Card) and was still assaulted highlights the irrationality of the prejudice displayed.
Impact Analysis:
The granting of bail in this case, despite the victim’s opposition, could potentially embolden similar acts of violence against vulnerable populations. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of legal safeguards in protecting migrant laborers from discrimination and assault. Future impacts could include increased fear and insecurity among migrant communities, potentially leading to social unrest and economic disruption. The case may also prompt further scrutiny of judicial practices and the implementation of laws designed to protect vulnerable populations.