Human trafficking: Karnataka HC rejects bail to three transgenders

BENGALURU: The Karnataka high court has rejected bail to three transgenders who were arrested on charges of human trafficking and kidnapping.

Though the petitioners argued that the allegations against them do not attract offence under human trafficking, Justice John Michael Cunha has dismissed their petition observing that the facts alleged against them squarely attract offence under human trafficking .

The Judge also noted they have to seek appropriate relief from a competent court as per the directive of the apex court, which had directed the chief justice of Bombay high court to designate a bench for considering such applications.

The apex court by its April 3, 2018 order had barred other courts from entertaining any proceedings in such cases since cases involving human trafficking have inter-state dimensions

Priya Mangalmuki alias Mehaboob Adoni alias Priya, Chandini Mangalmuki alias Chand Basha alias Chandini and Ganga Mangalmuki Suresh alias Suri alias Surya were arrested last year by the Hosapete rural police and were charged under sections 363-A, 368 and 370 of IPC read with section 17 of Karnataka beggary act, 1975.

The case of the prosecution is that the victim, a 4th standard boy, who has been to school did not return home. He was later traced at Gadag railway station by child help line.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the minor boy was taken to a hospital in Mumbai and was administered with an injection and his name also changed as Pallavi and was employed in beggary.

It is alleged that during investigation, identification parade was also conducted and there were direct accusations against the three petitioners.

Interestingly, during the hearing of their bail petition, it was also revealed that one of trio was also charged in a similar offence in Ballari court.