Merces, Sept 9: A Sessions Court at Merces has dismissed the anticipatory bail application of the former president and secretary of Shree Devi Morjai Devasthan in connection with a criminal breach of trust case involving alleged missing temple jewellery, records and other valuables.

Sessions Judge Vijaya V. Ambre, while rejecting Anticipatory Bail Application No. 267/2025 on September 9, held that custodial interrogation of the two applicants was necessary for further investigation and recovery of allegedly missing articles.

The case arises from Mandrem Police Station Crime No. 68/2025, registered under Section 316(2) of the BNS following a complaint by the new Devasthan management. The prosecution alleged that after their tenure ended, the former committee failed to hand over complete charge, including gold ornaments, registers, account books, keys and other temple property.

The order records a specific allegation against former president Gopal Shetgaonkar that he failed to hand over complete charge and was responsible for missing gold items. The court also recorded the prosecution’s allegation that some articles represented as gold were found to be copper or silver, with gold masking. It further noted the allegation that certain gold items were later brought by the former president from his house.

The court observed that Shetgaonkar had not joined the investigation despite receiving a notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS. It also noted allegations that the applicants failed to fully comply with directions concerning the transfer of charge to the new committee.

The applicants had sought bail on the ground of parity, pointing out that other co-accused had earlier secured anticipatory bail. The court, however, held that parity could be considered only where the role and allegations against the accused were identical or substantially similar.

Finding specific allegations against the former president and noting the secretary’s position as a responsible office-bearer, the court held that the grounds raised by the applicants could not be accepted at this stage.