Bombay High Court rejects bail plea of two women involved in prostitution racket

While refusing bail, Justice Sarang Kotwal observed that there is sufficient proof that shows that one of the victims was a minor and, therefore, it assumes seriousness.

The Bombay High Court refused to grant bail to two women accused of ‘providing minor girls’ and forcing them into prostitution. While refusing bail, Justice Sarang Kotwal observed, “There is sufficient material by the investigating agency to show that one of the victims was a minor and, therefore, it assumes seriousness.”

WHAT IS THE CASE?

One of the police constables working with the Crime Detection Unit of Mumbai received information that the two applicants, Babita Sharma and Shweta Sharma, were exploiting minor girls by forcing them into prostitution. Based on this information, they conducted a raid by arranging a bogus customer.

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The customer arranged for a call with Shweta and asked for supplies for a minor girl. Shweta informed him that she had a minor girl, for Rs 2 lakh, as well as an adult girl, for Rs 50,000. When the customer agreed to the minor, a location for the transaction was fixed, which is where the police intercepted the two applicants with the two girls.

During a search of the applicants, the police discovered that Babita was carrying an Aadhaar card of the minor. When asked as to why an Aadhaar, she said that customers ask for age proof of girl when they want a minor. The Aadhaar card of the minor girl clearly stated that she was only 15 years of age. While interrogating the another girl, it was found out that Babita was her mother.

CASE REGISTERED