Bail Granted in ₹2.58 Crore Gold Smuggling Case After Over a Month in Custody

Riswana Begam Vs Senior Intelligence Officer (Madras High Court)

The petitioners, in the case of Riswana Begam Vs Senior Intelligence Officer, sought bail from the Madras High Court after being arrested and remanded to judicial custody on September 23, 2025. The offences are punishable under Sections 135(1)(a), 135(1)(b), and 135(1)(i)(A) of the Customs Act 1962, as per the complaint filed by the respondent (F.No. DRI/CZU/MDU/VIII/48/ENQ-01/INT-01-2025).

The prosecution’s case is that the petitioners, along with other accused, allegedly smuggled 2299.920 grams of gold illegally from foreign countries. The learned Special Public Prosecutor specified the smuggled gold was worth approximately Rs. 2,58,18,901/- and was brought from Singapore to Madurai via Colombo. The prosecution opposed the bail plea, arguing that the petitioners might abscond if released.

The learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that the petitioners are innocent and have not committed the alleged offences. They also expressed their readiness and willingness to abide by any conditions imposed by the Court. They noted the petitioners have been in judicial custody since September 23, 2025.

Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, and the period of incarceration suffered by the petitioners, the Court granted bail.

The petitioners were ordered to be released on bail subject to conditions, including executing a separate bond for Rs. 10,000/- with two sureties each for a like sum, to the satisfaction of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Madurai.