The Patna High Court has refused anticipatory bail to a woman and her son accused of allegedly withdrawing ₹14 lakh from the bank account of an elderly woman after taking her to their home on the pretext of a pilgrimage.
Justice Rajiv Roy observed that the allegations indicated a serious breach of the elderly woman’s trust, particularly as she was dependent on her late husband’s pension for her livelihood.
The court was hearing anticipatory bail applications filed by the woman and her son in connection with a complaint alleging theft under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Elderly Woman Allegedly Taken Home on Pilgrimage Pretext
According to the complaint, the elderly woman was taken to her daughter’s residence on the representation that she would be taken on a pilgrimage. She was allegedly carrying her bank documents and ornaments with her.
The woman claimed that she had approximately ₹14 lakh in her bank account, accumulated from her late husband’s pension, along with jewellery.
It was alleged that after she moved to her daughter’s home, ₹14 lakh was withdrawn from her account under the pretext of submitting her life certificate.
The complainant further alleged that the accused persons registered their own mobile number with her bank account. As a result, she allegedly did not receive transaction alerts when the withdrawals were made.
She later came to know about the transactions through her bank statement and approached the authorities.
Allegation of Taking Advantage of Old Age
Counsel for the accused argued that the elderly woman had voluntarily gone to her daughter’s house as she was unwell and that the family had provided her with medical treatment.
It was also argued that regular withdrawals had taken place and that the complaint had been filed following a dispute involving the elderly woman’s son and daughter-in-law.
The complainant’s counsel, however, relied upon the sessions court’s findings and submitted that the accused had allegedly withdrawn the entire amount after changing the mobile number linked to the bank account.
It was further alleged that the elderly woman’s thumb impression had been obtained on the pretext of submitting her life certificate.
High Court Finds No Ground for Anticipatory Bail
After considering the allegations and circumstances, the High Court declined to grant anticipatory bail to the woman and her son.
The court particularly noted the allegation that the accused had breached the trust of the elderly woman, who was dependent on her late husband’s pension and had allegedly been left without the money required for her daily needs.
The court observed that the circumstances led it to conclude that the petitioners did not deserve the relief of anticipatory bail.
The husband of the accused woman, who was also named as a petitioner, had already been arrested, and his anticipatory bail plea was withdrawn.
The High Court consequently rejected the anticipatory bail applications filed by the woman and her son.
Case Details
Court: Patna High Court
Judge: Justice Rajiv Roy
Order Date: August 18, 2026
Provision: Section 303(2), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Issue: Alleged withdrawal of ₹14 lakh from elderly mother’s bank account
Keywords: Patna High Court, anticipatory bail, ₹14 lakh withdrawal, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, elderly woman, theft case
