Mumbai, February 5, 2024 – In a significant ruling, the Sessions Court of Greater Bombay rejected the bail application of accused Rajesh Bobhate, also known as Ravi Prasadrao, in connection with an international drug trafficking case. The accused had been arrested in April 2023 for his alleged role in a sophisticated scheme that involved luring job seekers to Dubai and using them as unsuspecting drug mules.
Case Background
The case, registered under C.R. No. 41/2023 with the DCB CID Unit-10 in Mumbai, involves multiple charges, including sections 419, 420, 465, 467, 471, 385, and 201 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), along with sections 23, 24, 8(B)(i)(A), and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. These charges relate to fraud, impersonation, criminal conspiracy, and drug trafficking.
Allegations Against the Accused
According to the prosecution, Rajesh Bobhate, along with co-accused Anthony Alex Paul, deceived job seekers by promising lucrative employment opportunities in Dubai. Victims, including Crisen Parera, Rushikesh Pandya, Ken Rodrigues, Cletan Rodrigues, and Monisha Demelo, were convinced to travel to Sharjah with the expectation of employment. However, upon arrival, they found themselves stranded without jobs and, in some cases, arrested by authorities for carrying narcotics unknowingly.
The accused allegedly provided these victims with mementos, trophies, or cakes laced with illegal narcotic substances. Once the victims reached Sharjah, the accused is said to have made anonymous phone calls to the local police, informing them of narcotics being carried by the victims. This resulted in the arrest and conviction of some victims in Dubai.
Prosecution’s Opposition to Bail
The prosecution strongly opposed the bail plea, arguing that Bobhate played a central role in the criminal operation. According to their submission, the accused not only orchestrated the fraudulent job offers but also personally handed over the drug-laden items to the victims. Additionally, CCTV footage and witness testimonies have provided substantial evidence against him. The prosecution contended that granting bail could lead to witness intimidation, tampering with evidence, and the possibility of the accused fleeing from justice.
Defense’s Argument
In his bail application, Bobhate claimed innocence and asserted that he was falsely implicated. His defense team argued that the investigation had been completed and that further incarceration was unnecessary. They also emphasized that the prosecution had removed Section 120(B) (criminal conspiracy) from the charges, suggesting a weakening of the case against him.
Court’s Decision
After reviewing the case details, Additional Sessions Judge Rajesh A. Sasne ruled against granting bail, citing the severity of the crime and the accused’s significant involvement in the operation. The judge highlighted the modus operandi of the accused, who allegedly deceived multiple victims, impersonated different identities, and engaged in repeat offenses. Given these factors, the court deemed Bobhate’s release as a potential threat to the ongoing trial and public safety.
Conclusion
The case has drawn considerable attention due to its international implications, involving cross-border drug trafficking and human deception. The rejection of bail underscores the judiciary’s commitment to addressing drug-related crimes with stringent legal scrutiny. Bobhate remains in judicial custody as the case progresses toward trial.
This ruling marks a critical step in dismantling drug syndicates operating under the guise of employment scams, reinforcing legal measures to protect unsuspecting job seekers from becoming victims of transnational crime networks.
