The Chhattisgarh High Court has upheld the rejection of bail for Dhanesh Ram Dhruv, a school headmaster accused in the 2023 IED blast that killed an ITBP constable. The court cited the seriousness of the charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other laws, as well as evidence presented by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) linking Dhruv to Maoist operations.
Background of the Case
On November 17, 2023, an IED explosion claimed the life of an ITBP jawan. Dhruv, also known as Guruji, a resident of Semhara village, Gariaband district, faced multiple charges under:
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Indian Penal Code (IPC)
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Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
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Explosive Substances Act
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Arms Act
The special sessions court in Raipur had earlier denied his bail, and the High Court affirmed that decision on August 20, 2025.
Evidence Presented by NIA
The National Investigation Agency submitted that Dhruv was actively involved with the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). According to the NIA:
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Dhruv provided logistical and financial support for the terrorist act.
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Eight witnesses, under Section 164 of the CrPC, confirmed his association with Maoist leaders and attendance at conspiracy meetings.
Defense Argument
Dhruv’s lawyer, Jitendra Shukla, argued that:
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His client was innocent and falsely implicated.
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No incriminating evidence was found at Dhruv’s residence, except a booklet and pamphlet on COVID-19.
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Dhruv was the sole breadwinner of his family and was arrested a year after the incident.
High Court’s Ruling
The bench, consisting of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru, observed:
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Bail is ordinarily discouraged for charges under special statutes involving offenses against the State.
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Courts must exercise exceptional caution, considering the seriousness of allegations and State interests.
The court concluded that the prosecution presented sufficient material to establish Dhruv’s prima facie involvement in the larger conspiracy. While dismissing the appeal, the bench directed the trial court to:
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Conclude the trial within six months
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Ensure Dhruv cooperates fully with trial proceedings
