Samastipur: Neha Jha, arrested in connection with the seizure of around 75 litres of foreign liquor from the AC First Class coach of the Swatantrata Senani Express, was granted regular bail by the Samastipur Excise Court-2 on Monday, September 28.
Jha had been sent to judicial custody earlier this month following her arrest at Samastipur Junction. Her release will follow completion of the required bail formalities.
Liquor Seized From AC First Class Coach
The case relates to a joint operation by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Crime Intelligence Bureau (CIB).
During the operation, officials seized around 75 litres of foreign liquor from the H-1 coupe of the Swatantrata Senani Express at Samastipur Junction. Neha Jha and her brother-in-law, Ishan Kumar, were arrested in connection with the case.
Bail Hearings Were Postponed
Jha’s regular bail petition had earlier faced delays. A hearing scheduled for September 18 was postponed because the case diary was reportedly unavailable.
The next hearing, scheduled for September 24, was also postponed amid a lawyers’ strike. The court finally heard the bail application on September 28 and granted regular bail.
Ishan Kumar Remains In Judicial Custody
No bail application has so far been filed on behalf of Ishan Kumar, the other accused arrested in the case.
As a result, Kumar will continue to remain in judicial custody while the investigation and further legal proceedings in the case continue.
Case Timeline
September 4: Around 75 litres of foreign liquor were seized from the AC First Class coach of the Swatantrata Senani Express at Samastipur Junction. Neha Jha and Ishan Kumar were arrested.
September 5: Jha was sent to judicial custody in the women’s cell of Samastipur Jail.
September 18: The hearing on her regular bail petition was postponed due to the unavailability of the case diary.
September 24: The scheduled hearing was postponed amid a lawyers’ strike.
September 28: Samastipur Excise Court-2 granted Jha regular bail. Further proceedings in the case will continue.
