IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA Cr.Misc. No.18807 of 2009 SUJEET KUMAR Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR ----------- 03 29.07.2009 Heard both sides. Petitioner seeks bail in a case instituted under Sections 147, 148, 149, 323, 436, 504 of the Indian Penal Code and 3(X) of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. As many as 41 persons belonging to one caste and in fact, one family have been made accused in the case. So far petitioner is concerned, the allegation is that he along with Manish Kumar, Pintu Kumar and Vivek Kumar torched the two huts of the prosecution side belonging to Harendra Ram and Akalu Ram. The occurrence had taken place on 2.10.2003. Learned counsel submits that the petitioner is in custody from February, 2003. It is further submitted that co-accused Vivek Kumar, having identical allegation has since been released on bail by this Court under order dated 20.5.2009 passed in Cr. Misc. No. 11748 of 2009. Having regard to the fact that the petitioner absconded for a long period and has 2 recently surrendered in the court, this Court is not inclined to admit him on bail. Prayer for bail is accordingly rejected. Petitioner, however, is at liberty to renew his prayer for bail after five months, if in the meanwhile the trial of the case is not taken up. P.K. (K.K. Mandal, J.)