CHANDRAKANTH B. Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner who is arraigned as accused No.1 has filed this petition under Sec. 439 Cr.P.C. to release him on bail in crime No.149/2023 of Ballari Rural police station for the offences punishable under Ss. 3, 4, 5 , 6, 7 and 8 of The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 and Sec. 370 of IPC, contending that even if the FIR, complaint, remand application and other material collected by the prosecution are taken into consideration, absolutely there is no evidence to show that the petitioner/accused No.1 is involved in the alleged offences. The petitioner is in judicial custody since 8/6/2023. He is only the earning member of the family and continuation of his detention would effect them. He is the permanent resident of Srirampur colony, Ballari, owning movable and immovable properties. The alleged offences are not exclusively punishable with death or imprisonment for life. He is ready and willing to abide by any conditions that may be imposed and prays to allow the petition.

(2.) Learned HCGP submitted oral objections stating that on receipt of credible information regarding the accused involved in immoral trafficking of women, the PSI of Ballari Rural police station filed a report. Based on the report, case was registered in Crime No.149/2023 and investigation is taken up. The investigating officer along with his staff and panchas conducted raid on the house of accused No.2 and found the victim namely two women who are forced to indulge in immoral trafficking. The petitioner was arrested and he was remanded to judicial custody. The case is in the initial stage of investigation. If released on bail, the petitioner may threaten or tamper with the prosecution witnesses and also indulge in similar offences and prays to reject the petition.

(3.) Heard arguments and perused the records.