Student granted release amidst prostitution allegations, now classified as a 'client' in the case.
In a recent development, the Bombay High Court has granted bail to Tejas Sachin Shelke, a 23-year-old student, who was arrested in September 2024 for allegedly engaging in sex with a trafficked victim in Panvel, Navi Mumbai.
The case came to light on September 20, 2024, when the anti-human trafficking cell of Navi Mumbai police raided a lodge in Panvel. Seven women, including a Bangladeshi minor, were rescued from the lodge, where it was discovered that they had been forced into sex work by the accused traffickers. The accused, including Shayna Jaman, Bibi Shahidue, Shubo Sardar, Mihir Bhise, and Vejad Ali Khan alias Raju Mondal, had brought the victims from Kolkata and forced them into prostitution at the Panchratna Lodge.
During the investigation, it was found that Shelke had booked a room at the lodge for the purpose of sex work. However, the court noted that Shelke's involvement was limited to that of a customer and "cannot be expected to know the age of a woman." In his bail application, Shelke stated that he was not aware of the girl's real age as her ID said she was 22.
Advocate Ganesh Gupta, representing Shelke, argued that Shelke's status would be that of a customer. The single-judge bench of justice Ashwin Bhobe agreed, concluding that there was no solid evidence against Shelke for forcing the victim into flesh trade. Considering Shelke's limited involvement, student status, and age of 23, the court granted bail on a personal bond of ₹25,000 with stringent conditions. It emphasized that Shelke's incarceration during the trial was not warranted.
It is important to note that the court's decision does not exonerate Shelke from the charges. The case is still ongoing, and further developments or appeals have not been reported in the available sources. Shelke has been booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and other related laws.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing issue of human trafficking in India and the importance of upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as minors and women.
In light of the ongoing case against Tejas Sachin Shelke, a student, his involvement in Indian politics or general news seems peripheral. However, his arrest in September 2024 was related to an incident involving crime and justice, as he was charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and other related laws, for allegedly engaging in sex with a trafficked victim. The case, which came to light on September 20, 2024, raised concerns about human trafficking in India, specifically in Navi Mumbai, highlighting the need for stringent laws and awareness to protect vulnerable groups such as minors and women.
