In Brief
The State of Orissa appealed against a High Court order granting bail to Mahimananda Mishra, accused in a murder case involving a businessman killed in a bomb and gun attack allegedly orchestrated by the respondent. The High Court granted bail finding insufficient prima facie evidence. The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred by delving into merits rather than assessing only prima facie material. Given the respondent's past attempt to evade arrest by fleeing to Thailand, his influential local position enabling witness intimidation, death threats to the deceased, recovered weapons, and serious criminal antecedents, the Court set aside the bail order and directed his immediate custody.
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