Mumbai, January 20, 2024: In a significant ruling, the Sessions Court of Greater Bombay rejected the bail application of Sanika Mahadev Waghmare, a student of K.J. Somaiya College, who was arrested in connection with a child kidnapping and trafficking case. The case, registered under Crime No. 205/2023 at Wadala Police Station, involves charges under Sections 370 (trafficking of persons), 363 (kidnapping), 328 (causing harm by poison), 511 (attempt to commit an offence), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code, along with Sections 84 and 87 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act.
Case Background
The case was initiated on November 20, 2023, when Smt. Suman Chourasiya, a resident of Sewree Koliwada, reported the disappearance of her three-year-old son, Vikas. According to the police, Chourasiya’s elder son, Akash, was playing with Vikas outside their home when the younger child went missing. A local resident, Reshma Patil, informed Chourasiya that she had seen Waghmare forcibly taking the boy away. When confronted via a phone call, Waghmare denied any involvement, claiming she was in college at the time.
Investigation and Key Findings
Following an intensive search by the police, a crucial breakthrough came when two individuals, Shivaji Kamble and Shakil Shaikh, arrived at the police station with the missing child. The duo revealed that Waghmare had handed Vikas over to them and instructed them to take him to the police.
Upon further interrogation, Waghmare allegedly confessed that she had been contacted by a certain Pawan Pokharkar, who promised her ₹2 lakh in exchange for bringing him a 10-year-old boy. Instead, she kidnapped the three-year-old Vikas and transported him to Kalyan. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Pokharkar at Ghatkopar, along with his associates Sarthak Bombale and Swapnil Bombale.
Allegations of Child Trafficking and Drug Use
Authorities uncovered damning evidence, including messages, call logs, and financial transactions, suggesting a larger trafficking network. It was revealed that Swapnil Bombale had been tasked with procuring a child for ₹6 lakh, while Pokharkar played the middleman, promising ₹2 lakh to Waghmare. The police also recovered images of Nitrazepam Tablet IP 10 (Nitravet 10), a sedative allegedly used to drug the child before the abduction.
Additionally, statements from a taxi driver confirmed that Waghmare, along with Pokharkar, had taken Vikas in a cab, further solidifying their involvement in the crime.
Court’s Observations and Bail Denial
During the bail hearing, Waghmare’s defense counsel, Advocate Ritu Jambhavdekar, argued that her client was a bright student with no prior criminal record and had been falsely implicated. The defense emphasized that Waghmare had cooperated fully with the police and that nothing incriminating was found in her possession.
However, the prosecution, represented by A.P.P. Manjushree Golhar, strongly opposed the bail, citing the gravity of the offense and the ongoing investigation. The prosecution argued that Waghmare’s release could lead to witness intimidation and tampering with evidence.
After reviewing the case records and hearing both sides, Additional Sessions Judge Rajesh A. Sasne ruled that the evidence pointed to Waghmare’s active involvement in the kidnapping and potential trafficking of the child. The judge noted the seriousness of the offense and the potential danger of releasing the accused while the investigation was still ongoing. Consequently, the court rejected the bail plea, stating that Waghmare must remain in custody until further proceedings.
Legal Implications and Future Proceedings
This case has highlighted the alarming issue of child trafficking and the exploitation of young individuals for monetary gain. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the trafficking network and identify other individuals who may be involved.
Legal experts suggest that if convicted, Waghmare and her co-accused could face severe penalties under both the IPC and the Juvenile Justice Act. With the charge sheet yet to be filed, further details of the conspiracy may emerge in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The rejection of Waghmare’s bail application underscores the judiciary’s strict stance on crimes against children. As the case unfolds, authorities are expected to dig deeper into the trafficking racket and bring all culprits to justice. Meanwhile, the family of the rescued child is relieved that he was safely recovered, though the traumatic ordeal has left them shaken.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in society and the crucial role of vigilant citizens in preventing such heinous crimes. The legal battle ahead will determine the fate of the accused and set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
