Observing that no harm was done to the victims, the Bombay High Court has granted bail to a man who kidnapped his own minor son and his school friend for ransom.
Eight-year-old Vansh and his friend Nakul were kidnapped by Vansh's father Lalit Kalagan and his associate on January 9 this year and a ransom was demanded from their families.
However, a few hours after they were kidnapped, the kids were dropped outside their homes. Investigations revealed that Vansh's father had a hand in the kidnapping as he needed money.
Justice Abhay Thipsay, while granting liberty to Kalagan recently, noted that no harm was done to the children and it appeared that they were treated properly. Besides, the father had not gained anything while committing the offence, the judge said.
"Under the circumstances, I am inclined to grant one opportunity of giving liberty to Kalagan," the judge observed.
Kalagan was granted bail in the sum of Rs 50,000 and surety of the same amount. The court also directed him to report to local police station on the first Sunday of every month till investigation was over.
Kalagan's lawyer had urged for bail saying that the accused had caused no harm to the children and the alleged kidnapping was done for a few hours only. He, therefore, urged the court to show leniency to the accused.
