#reasonable apprehension of arrest

The Karnataka High Court granted anticipatory bail to a petitioner labeled Accused No. 3 despite no direct allegations, FIR, or evidence linking him to the offense, holding that financial transactions with a co-accused’s sibling, absent any active role or intent, cannot substitute for criminal proof. This reinforces that arbitrary designation in charge sheets cannot override the constitutional right to liberty under Section 438 CrPC, setting a critical precedent for individuals caught in overbroad investigations.