Mumbai, March 12, 2024 – Anil Sarjerao Kamble, the owner of an Ayurvedic Panchkarma Kendra, has been granted bail by the Sessions Court in Greater Mumbai in a case involving human trafficking and prostitution. Additional Sessions Judge Smt. N.S. Shaikh allowed Kamble’s bail application (Bail Application No. 560 of 2024), considering his medical condition and the completion of the initial investigation.
Kamble was arrested in connection with Crime No. 496 of 2022, registered at Bhoiwada Police Station, for offenses punishable under Section 370(2) (trafficking of persons) read with Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections1 4 and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (PITA).
Prosecution’s Case:
The prosecution alleges that on May 13, 2022, police received information about prostitution activities being conducted at Kamble’s Ayurvedic Panchkarma Kendra under the guise of massage services. A decoy customer was sent to the premises after arranging contact through WhatsApp. The decoy customer was shown photographs of girls and paid ₹4,000 to co-accused Mohd. Wasim Akram Ansari. During the raid, victims were rescued, and they stated they were forced into prostitution. Condoms were also seized from the premises. Ansari allegedly identified Kamble as the owner of the center.
Defense Arguments:
Kamble’s advocate, Shashikant Mandlik, argued that his client was falsely implicated. He stated that Kamble ran a legitimate Ayurvedic Panchkarma Kendra and was hospitalized from May 11 to May 28, 2022, during the period of the alleged offenses. He was arrested on February 27, 2024, and remanded to judicial custody. Mandlik emphasized that Kamble had no prior criminal record and was ready to abide by any bail conditions.
Prosecution’s Objections:
The prosecution, represented by Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Jyotsna Gawli, opposed the bail, stating that the charge sheet against the co-accused had already been filed and that Kamble could not be arrested earlier due to his medical condition.
Court’s Decision:
Judge Shaikh, after reviewing the application, the prosecution’s reply, Kamble’s medical records, and hearing the arguments, noted that Kamble was remanded to judicial custody and that no further recoveries were pending. The court also considered Kamble’s willingness to abide by bail conditions.
Conditions of Bail:
Judge Shaikh granted Kamble bail on the following conditions:
- He must execute a personal bond (PR Bond) of ₹50,000 with one or more solvent sureties of the same amount.
- He must submit proof of his residence, Aadhaar Card, and Election Card (if available).
- He must not involve himself in any other crime.
- He must not tamper with prosecution evidence.
- He must not directly or indirectly influence any person acquainted with the case.
- He must attend all trial dates.
- Breach of any condition will result in the immediate cancellation of bail.
The court concluded that releasing Kamble on these conditions would serve the interests of justice.