The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to Harshvardhan Jain, a man accused of orchestrating an elaborate international ruse by operating “fake embassies” for non-existent countries from a rented house in Ghaziabad. Jain, who allegedly posed as a high-ranking diplomat to defraud individuals, had been in custody since his arrest last year.
In an order passed on April 2, Justice Srivastava allowed the bail application after considering the overall circumstances of the case. While the court refrained from commenting on the merits of the allegations, it noted that the nature of the evidence and the severity of the potential punishment justified the applicant’s release on bail.
“Considering all those facts and circumstances, the nature of accusations, severity of the punishment in the case of conviction and nature of supporting evidence, reasonable apprehension of tampering with the witness and prima facie case, but without commenting on merit of case, a case for bail is made out,” the Court observed.
The case against Jain unfolded in the Kavi Nagar area of Ghaziabad, where he reportedly operated a sophisticated con. According to Amitabh Yash, UP Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order), Jain presented himself as a consul or ambassador representing fictitious nations, including Westarctica, Saborga, Poulvia, and Lodonia.
The prosecution alleged that Jain maintained the facade of diplomatic immunity and status by using diplomatic number plates on his private vehicles. This persona was reportedly used as a tool to gain the trust of unsuspecting citizens, whom he allegedly defrauded under the pretext of providing overseas employment.
Following his arrest last year, the investigation focused on the fraudulent use of diplomatic symbols and the financial exploitation of job seekers. While the police highlighted the “prima facie” evidence of his activities, the High Court determined that Jain met the criteria for bail pending the conclusion of the trial.
The court’s decision to allow the bail application ensures Jain’s release, provided he adheres to the standard conditions of bail, including non-interference with witnesses.
