A city court today granted bail to an Iranian national who was arrested in connection with theft of USD 200 from a money changer in Southeast Delhi.
Additional Sessions Judge Sanjiv Jain enlarged Davoud Zare on bail, who was in judicial custody since November 25, on a personal bond of Rs 20,000 and a cash surety of Rs 50,000, saying the FIR was not clear about the facts and offences he was booked under.
The judge also directed the police to inform the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and the Iranian Embassy about the same.
Seeking bail for Zare, his counsel Mehmood Pracha contended that even as per the charge sheet filed by the police, no offence was made out against his client under sections 380 (theft) and 411 (dishonestly receiving stolen property) of the IPC as the currency was not recovered from him but from the shopkeeper from whom he allegedly stole it.
"FIR on the face appears false. Zare shouldn't have been arrested under these offences as they entail less than seven years imprisonment," the lawyer argued.
He also contended that the police and magistrate had not followed proper procedure, "so both are liable to action".
Opposing the bail plea, the prosecution argued that currencies of different denominations were recovered from him and being a foreign national, he could escape and evade legal proceedings and investigation as his companion Mohammed Amir has already fled.
A case was registered at the New Friends Colony police station with the cops alleging that Zare and his companion Amir, both Iranian nationals, went to the money changer in Sarai Juleina area last week and allegedly stole USD 200 from there and tried to run away but the money changer sensed foul and caught Zare while Amir managed to flee.
Police said during sustained interrogation, Zare admitted to being a professional cheat involved in similar cases in other countries as well.
The duo had come to India for the first time on tourist visa 40 days back and stayed in a Karol Bagh hotel. Their visa for India was valid till January 2017. They mainly targetted hospitals, banks, money changers, medical stores by claiming to be tourists in need of changing foreign currency, it said.
While one of them engaged the person on the counter, the other would steal the cash. They also changed hotels every 5-6 days and would return to their home country after committing 15-20 thefts, it added.
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