Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice K Vinod Chandran dismissed Rajeev Ranjan Kumar’s anticipatory bail petition on Wednesday, after the Supreme Court reviewed the Ranchi Janmashtami clash case.
The case stems from a 2024 FIR filed at Argora police station, where Kumar was charged under section 118 of the BNS for allegedly removing a gun and biting off a victim’s ear during a nighttime dispute.
During the hearing, the bench recited the accused’s own admission, stating, “You first took out the gun, then grabbed his ear and bit it off,” and asked the lawyer whether he believed a fight had occurred.
The lawyer countered that Kumar was also a victim, claiming he was pinned, had his limbs seized, and was wounded in the chest, but the court found the arguments unconvincing.
The High Court had earlier denied anticipatory bail, citing the victim’s multiple serious cuts on head and face, and the Supreme Court’s rejection means Kumar must remain in police custody while the investigation and trial proceed.
The case will now move directly to trial, with Kumar held in custody for the duration of the proceedings.