Mumbai, April 24, 2024 – Rajitkumar Govind Yadav has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in a case involving prostitution and human trafficking. Additional Sessions Judge N.S. Shaikh (Court Room No. 39) issued the order on April 24, 2024.

Yadav was arrested in connection with Crime No. 183 of 2024, registered at the D.B. Marg Police Station, for offenses under Section 370(3) (trafficking of a person) of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 3, 4, 5, and 7(1)(b) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.

Background and Allegations:

On March 29, 2024, D.B. Marg Police conducted a raid at Krishna Building, Grant Road, following a tip about prostitution activities. A decoy customer allegedly handed Rs. 1,000 to Yadav. Three adult women were found at the location. The owner of the brothel, Mumtaz, was not present. Yadav allegedly received 10% of the earnings, with 20% going to Mumtaz.

Arguments Presented:

Advocate Shahid Iqbal, representing Yadav, argued that his client had no involvement in the alleged offenses and that the women were adults who voluntarily engaged in the business. He highlighted that Yadav was arrested on March 29, 2024, and had been in judicial custody since April 2, 2024. He emphasized that Yadav had no prior criminal record and was willing to abide by any conditions imposed by the court.

Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Geeta Sharma opposed the bail, stating that the owner, Mumtaz, was absconding and that investigations regarding the trafficking of the women were ongoing. The prosecution also argued that Yadav was not a resident of Mumbai and might abscond or threaten the victims if released.

Court’s Reasoning and Decision:

Judge Shaikh noted that Yadav had been in judicial custody since April 2, 2024, and that there was no indication that his custodial interrogation was required for any further recovery or discovery. The court found that the prosecution’s concerns could be addressed by imposing stringent conditions on Yadav.

Bail Conditions:

Yadav was granted bail upon executing a personal bond of Rs. 30,000 with one or more solvent sureties of the same amount. The following conditions were imposed:

• Yadav must submit proof of his residence, Aadhaar card, and election card, if any.
• He must not engage in any criminal activity.
• He must not tamper with the prosecution’s evidence.
• He must not directly or indirectly influence, threaten, or promise any person connected with the case to dissuade them from disclosing facts to the court or police.
• He must attend all trial dates.
• Breach of any condition will result in the immediate cancellation of his bail.

Order Details:

The order was typed and signed on April 24, 2024, and uploaded on the same day at 4:35 p.m.

This decision reflects the court’s assessment of the completion of the custodial interrogation, the imposition of conditions to ensure Yadav’s compliance, and the balance between the accused’s rights and the ongoing investigation.