Mumbai, January 19, 2024: A sessions court in Mumbai has rejected the bail application of Lalbahadur Parasnath Gupta, a 40-year-old rickshaw driver, who was arrested in connection with a human trafficking case. The accused was arrested on December 27, 2023, for allegedly being involved in the trafficking of women for prostitution.

The police had received a tip-off about an illegal prostitution racket and set up a trap using a dummy customer. According to the prosecution, Gupta transported two women to a predetermined location in his rickshaw and accepted ₹2,000 from the dummy customer. The police then intervened and arrested him.

During the hearing, Gupta’s lawyer, Advocate Siddhesh Samel, argued that his client was merely a rickshaw driver and was unaware of the alleged activities. He also pointed out that another accused, Ajay Singh, was the primary agent involved in the case and that Gupta had no prior criminal record. The defense further contended that there was no direct evidence proving Gupta’s involvement in the racket beyond driving the women to the location.

However, Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) Rashmi Tendulkar opposed the bail plea, stating that Gupta played an active role in the human trafficking operation. She argued that the ₹2,000 seized from him was proof of his involvement and that if released, he might tamper with evidence or pressure the victims, who are currently housed in a shelter home.

Judge N.G. Shukla, presiding over the case, observed that the allegations against Gupta were serious and that his potential influence over the victims posed a risk to the ongoing investigation. The court also noted that statements under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) were yet to be recorded, and the probe was still in its early stages.

Given the gravity of the offense, which carries a punishment of up to life imprisonment, the court denied Gupta’s bail application, stating that he was not entitled to relief until the filing of the charge sheet. The matter remains under investigation.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by Mumbai police to curb human trafficking and underscores the legal system’s cautious approach to granting bail in such sensitive matters.