Court Says “There is no likelihood of the applicant tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses if released on bail”
Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tinku Bhargav, also known as Yatendra, who had been arrested in a sensational murder and beheading case that shocked Uttar Pradesh in 2022. The case involves the gruesome killing of Bhargav’s friend, Naveen Verma, a jeweller from Agra.
The order for bail was passed by Justice Ajay Bhanot, who took into account several key factors, including the accused’s full cooperation during the investigation, his commitment to continue cooperating, and the fact that he is not considered a flight risk.
Bhargav had been lodged in jail since August 2022, and this was his second attempt to get bail after his first application was rejected in January 2024.
The BJP leader is facing serious criminal charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC):
- Section 302 (murder)
- Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence)
- Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention)
According to the prosecution’s version of events, Bhargav allegedly planned the murder of his close friend Naveen Verma. He allegedly invited Naveen, gave him excessive alcohol, and then shot him dead.
The body was later dumped in a forested area of Sikandra in Agra, but the severed head was kept separate. Police allegedly caught Bhargav and his associate while they were trying to dispose of the head in another district.
“The police arrested him while he was searching for a place to dump the severed head,” the prosecution stated during the hearing.
Despite the horrifying nature of the crime, the High Court noted that Bhargav had cooperated with the investigation and there was no evidence that he would influence witnesses or tamper with evidence if released.
“There is no likelihood of the applicant tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses if released on bail,” the Court observed in its order.
His lawyer informed the court that all key prosecution witnesses had already been examined, and the trial was ready to proceed to the next stage—Section 313 of the CrPC, where the accused is questioned based on the prosecution’s evidence.
Bhargav’s legal team argued that keeping him in jail would affect his ability to prepare a proper defence. They emphasised that access to documents, evidence, and legal consultations are essential to ensure a fair trial.
“The right to prepare a defence is a fundamental part of a fair trial,” the Court agreed, while referring to its earlier judgment in Prabhat Gangwar v. State of UP.
Taking all these points into account, the Court allowed Bhargav’s release with strict conditions. He has been clearly directed:
- Not to tamper with evidence
- Not to influence any witnesses
- To be present before the trial court on all scheduled dates unless given an exemption
The case will now move forward to the trial phase.
Advocate Shantanu Srivastava appeared for the petitioner in the High Court
CASE TITLE: Tinku Bhargav @ Yatendra v. State of U.P.
VIEW ORDER
