Mumbai, March 16, 2024 – Manikamma Narsappa Bhandare has been granted bail by the Sessions Court for Greater Bombay in a child trafficking case. Additional Sessions Judge Rajesh A. Sasne (Court Room No. 30) issued the order on March 14, 2024.
Bhandare was arrested in connection with C.R. No. 72/2023, registered at the DCB CID Unit IX (corresponding to C.R. No. 904/2023 at D.N. Nagar Police Station), for offenses under Sections 370(4) and 370(5) (trafficking of persons) read with 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 81 of the Juvenile Justice Care and Protection Act, 2015.
Background and Allegations:
The case involves allegations of human trafficking and the sale of minor children. The complainant, Rubina Khan, reported that her brother Shabbir Khan and his wife Saniya had sold their two-year-old son Hussain and their newborn baby girl due to financial difficulties and drug addiction. The baby girl was allegedly sold for Rs. 14,000 to accused Shakil Makrani.
The investigation revealed that Bhandare and other accused individuals played active roles in the commission of the offense, which involved the buying and selling of minor children without legal adoption procedures.
Arguments Presented:
Advocate Sandeep Shrekhane, representing Bhandare, argued that she was falsely implicated and innocent. He stated that she had undergone custodial interrogation, the investigation was complete, and the charge sheet had been filed. He emphasized that there were no criminal antecedents against her and that she was a permanent resident.
Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Iqbal Solkar, representing the State, opposed the bail, arguing that Bhandare’s release would affect evidence collection, pose a flight risk, and lead to witness tampering.
Court’s Reasoning and Decision:
Judge Sasne reviewed the application, reply, and documents on record. He noted that the charge sheet had been filed and the investigation was complete. He also considered that Bhandare had been arrested on November 29, 2023, and had undergone custodial interrogation.
The court acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations involving human trafficking and the sale of minor children. However, considering that the investigation was completed and the charge sheet was filed, the court found that further incarceration of Bhandare was unwarranted.
Bail Conditions:
Bhandare was granted bail upon furnishing a personal bond and surety bond of Rs. 25,000 each, with one or two sureties. The following conditions were imposed:
- Bhandare must not tamper with prosecution witnesses or evidence.
- She must not directly or indirectly influence, threaten, or promise any person acquainted with the case.
- She must regularly attend the hearing dates unless exempted by the trial court.
- Provisional cash bail of the same amount is allowed, and she must furnish surety within four weeks of release, failing which the cash bail will be forfeited.
- She must not leave India without prior permission from the court.
- Bail to be furnished before the concerned Magistrate.
Order Details:
The order was dictated on March 14, 2024, transcribed on March 15, 2024, and signed on March 16, 2024. The certified copy was uploaded on March 16, 2024, at 2:44 p.m.
This decision reflects the court’s consideration of the filed charge sheet, the completed investigation, and the imposition of conditions to ensure Bhandare’s compliance with the legal process.