Mumbai, India – February 1, 2024 – A Mumbai Sessions Court has rejected the bail application of Rajesh Bobhate, also known as Ravi or Prasadrao, who is accused of orchestrating an elaborate international drug smuggling scheme under the guise of offering lucrative jobs in Dubai. Additional Sessions Judge Rajesh A. Sasne, presiding over Court Room No. 30, denied Bobhate’s bail in Criminal Bail Application No. 53 of 2024.

Bobhate, 35, faces serious charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating, forgery, extortion, and destruction of evidence, as well as sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He was arrested on April 25, 2023, in connection with Crime No. 41/2023 registered with DCB CID, Unit-10, Andheri (E).

Modus Operandi: Jobs as a Pretext for Drug Trafficking

According to the prosecution, Bobhate, along with co-accused Anthony Alex Paul, lured individuals with promises of high-paying jobs in Dubai. The victims were then sent to Sharjah, only to find that the promised jobs did not exist. Adding to their distress, they were provided with forged return air tickets.

The scheme took a sinister turn when Bobhate allegedly handed over mementos, trophies, or cakes laced with narcotics to the unsuspecting victims. These victims were then apprehended by authorities in Sharjah, based on information allegedly provided by Bobhate himself. The accused then demanded large sums of money from the victims’ families for their release.

Key Evidence and Court’s Reasoning

The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including:

• Victim Testimonies: Crisen Parera, Rushikesh Pandya, Ken Rodriges, Cletan Rodgries, and Monisha Demelo were among those allegedly duped by Bobhate and his accomplice.
• Sharjah Convictions: Evidence revealed that Crisen Parera and Cletan Rodgries were arrested and convicted in Dubai for drug possession. Cletan Rodgries was specifically arrested for carrying a cake containing narcotics, based on information received from India.
• CCTV Footage: The prosecution claimed to possess CCTV footage implicating Bobhate in handing over the contraband to the victims.
• Phone Calls to Sharjah Authorities: The prosecution alleged that Bobhate himself informed the Sharjah police that the victims were carrying narcotics, intentionally setting them up for arrest.

Bobhate’s defense argued that the investigation was complete and that his continued detention was unnecessary. They also contended that the removal of Section 120(B) (criminal conspiracy) by the prosecution weakened the case against him.

However, the court rejected these arguments, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses and Bobhate’s significant role in the scheme. Judge Sasne highlighted the following:

• Bobhate’s active involvement in inducing victims to travel abroad.
• The evidence linking him to the handover of narcotics-laced items.
• His deliberate attempt to conceal his identity by using aliases.
• The reoccurrence of the crime against several victims.
• The deliberate action of informing the Sharjah police.

“Considering the modus operandi of the accused, seriousness of the crime and major role played by the accused, I am of the view that the accused is not entitled to be released on bail,” Judge Sasne stated in his order.

Implications and Ongoing Investigation

The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s firm stance against international drug trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The case highlights the complex and sophisticated methods employed by criminal networks to carry out such operations. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are likely to pursue further leads to dismantle the entire network.