The Additional Sessions Court at Panvel has granted anticipatory bail to accused Vikas Raghunath Padekar in a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) case involving alleged smuggling of areca nuts valued at approximately ₹4.5 crore.
The court held that custodial interrogation was not necessary, particularly given the documentary nature of the evidence and the applicant’s cooperation with the investigation.
The case originates from intelligence inputs received by the DRI indicating that containers imported by M/s Mahant Enterprises were suspected to contain mis-declared or concealed goods. While one container initially appeared to carry declared goods—‘Quick Lime Lumps’—subsequent investigation into another container revealed concealed areca nuts. Further inquiry suggested that even the earlier container had been tampered with en route, with the declared cargo allegedly replaced by areca nuts by members of a smuggling syndicate.
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The department contended that Padekar played a key role in the alleged operation. He was described as a local buyer who arranged suppliers based in Dubai, financed the transactions, and facilitated the use of duplicate seals to execute the smuggling. It was further alleged that he had already distributed part of the smuggled goods in the domestic market.
Dr. Sujay Kantawala, the counsel for the accused, argued that the applicant had been falsely implicated based solely on statements recorded under Section 108 of the Customs Act, without any corroborative evidence. It was highlighted that Padekar had been cooperating with the investigation for several years, had appeared before DRI officers on multiple occasions, and had already submitted to the adjudication process initiated under the Customs Act, including responding to a show cause notice issued in July 2025.
The court took note of these submissions and emphasized that the applicant had no criminal antecedents and had complied with all prior conditions during the period of interim protection. It also observed that the case largely hinges on documentary evidence, which the investigating agency could obtain independently, thereby reducing the need for custodial interrogation.
Rejecting the DRI’s contention that custodial interrogation was essential to unearth the conspiracy, the court concluded that the applicant’s presence could be secured through appropriate conditions. Accordingly, it allowed the anticipatory bail application.
The court directed that in the event of arrest, Padekar shall be released on bail upon furnishing a personal bond of ₹1 lakh with sureties. He has been directed to appear before the DRI on specified dates in May 2026 and cooperate with the investigation. Additional conditions include surrendering his passport, not influencing witnesses, and informing authorities before changing his residence.
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