There Could Also Be A Larger Conspiracy Involved: Orissa HC Denies Bail To Man Allegedly Linked To ISI Network
The Orissa High Court rejected the bail Application of a man allegedly involved in an illegal business of sharing OTPs and mobile numbers with foreign nationals including Pakistanis.

The Orissa High Court has denied bail to a man accused of having links with a Pakistani national linked with ISI noting that there could be a ‘larger’ conspiracy involved.
The Court rejected the bail Application filed under Section 439 of the CrPC by the Petitioner noting his alleged links with a Pakistani Intelligence Officer involved in a ‘deep rooted’ conspiracy. The Petitioner was in custody for the alleged commission of offences under Sections 419, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, 120-B, and 34 of the IPC and Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act).
A Single Bench of Justice Sashikanta Mishra held, “There could also be a larger conspiracy involved. In any event, the fact that money was transacted into the Petitioner’s account prima facie, shows his involvement and he appears to have some kind of link with Abdul Hamid, the Pakistani national having links with ISI. In the considered view of this Court therefore, the Petitioner cannot be treated at par with the co-accused persons, who have been directed to be enlarged on bail.”
Advocate S.R. Mulia represented the Petitioner, while ASC S.S. Routray appeared for the Opposite Party.
Brief Facts
An FIR was filed by the Special Task Force (STF), CID, CB, Bhubaneswar, alleging that a group of individuals, including foreign nationals, engaged in the illegal use of OTPs, SIM cards, and Paytm wallets for illegal pecuniary gains. The group, which included Pakistani nationals, allegedly operated through a Facebook group named “Free Recharge Box,” with over one lakh members.
During the investigation, one Pathani Samanta Lenka revealed that SIM cards and wallets were supplied by a Jio Point Manager. The Petitioner was implicated based on alleged transactions linked to a co-accused acting on instructions from a Pakistani national with ISI links.
Court’s Reasoning
The High Court held that the fact that money was transacted into the Petitioner’s account prima facie showed his involvement and link with the Pakistani national having links with ISI.
“It is seen that there is prima facie evidence of transfer of some money by co-accused Abhijeet Sanjaya Jambure @ Desmukh to the account of the Petitioner on the direction of Abdul Hamid, the Pakistani national,” it remarked.
The Bench noted, “The prayer for bail was refused by this Court in respect of some of the co-accused persons including Abhijeet Sanjaya Jambure @ Desmukh by noting that the investigation suggested a deep rooted conspiracy involving Pakistani Intelligence Officers, who are said to be operating a network in this country.”
Consequently, the Court held, “In the considered view of this Court therefore, the Petitioner cannot be treated at par with the co-accused persons, who have been directed to be enlarged on bail.”
Accordingly, the High Court rejected the Bail Application.
Cause Title: Mohammad Iqbal Hussain v. State of Odisha (BLAPL No.1902 of 2024)