Mumbai, Maharashtra – July 22, 2022 – The Sessions Court for Greater Mumbai granted bail to Elwyn Reena Rodrigues, a 24-year-old woman arrested in connection with a raid on an alleged prostitution den in Lower Parel. The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Mrs. M.M. Deshpande, allowed Rodrigues’ bail application, citing the lack of direct allegations against her by the rescued victims and the prosecution’s failure to request further custody for investigation.

Rodrigues was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 887/2022, registered at N.M. Joshi Marg Police Station. The case involved allegations of human trafficking and running a prostitution racket under Sections 370(1), 370(3), 114, 294, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.

The prosecution’s case stemmed from a raid conducted by Worli Police at “The Thai Sop,” located in Highstreet Phoenix Mall, on July 8, 2022. Police Constable Rupin Bhalchandra Patil, the complainant, alleged that the accused were running a prostitution business and exploiting women for financial gain. Six women were rescued during the raid.

Rodrigues, represented by Advocate Rajeev Sawant, maintained her innocence, claiming she was falsely implicated in the case. She argued that there was no concrete evidence linking her to the alleged offenses and assured the court of her full cooperation with the investigation. She also pledged not to tamper with witnesses or influence the investigation in any way.

The prosecution, represented by Additional Public Prosecutor Bhandari, opposed the bail application. They expressed concerns that Rodrigues would flee if released, obstruct the ongoing investigation, and intimidate witnesses. The prosecution also noted that the charge sheet had not yet been filed.

However, after reviewing the FIR and hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Deshpande granted bail to Rodrigues. The court noted that the FIR revealed that the raid was conducted on July 8, 2022, and that the accused, including Rodrigues, were initially taken into Magistrate Custody (MCR). The court also highlighted that all the rescued women were adults and that none of them had directly accused Rodrigues of compelling them into prostitution.

Furthermore, the court observed that the prosecution had not sought further custody of Rodrigues for investigation purposes. The court acknowledged the prosecution’s apprehension regarding witness tampering and flight risk but stated that these concerns could be addressed by imposing stringent bail conditions.

In granting bail, the court imposed the following conditions:

• Rodrigues was ordered to furnish a personal bond of Rs. 15,000 and a surety of the same amount.
• She was directed not to directly or indirectly influence or threaten any witness.
• She was prohibited from tampering with evidence.
• She was required to attend all court hearings.
• She was barred from leaving India without the court’s permission.
• She was instructed not to commit similar offenses in the future.
• She was mandated to provide her permanent and temporary addresses and contact details to the court.
• She was required to notify the investigating officer and the court of any change in her residential address.
• The court also warned that the prosecution could seek cancellation of her bail if she violated any of these conditions.

The court’s decision underscores the principle that bail should be granted unless there are compelling reasons to believe that the accused will obstruct justice or flee. The ruling highlights the importance of direct evidence and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The case will now proceed in the lower court.