MR SABIN MAATEV Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is filed by the petitioners/accused Nos.9 and 10 under Section 438 of Cr.P.C. seeking anticipatory bail, to direct the respondent-police to release the petitioners on bail in the event of their arrest for the offences punishable under Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of Immoral Traffic Prevention Act and Sections 370, 370(A) of IPC registered in respondent police station Crime No.471/2017.

(2.) Brief facts of the prosecution case are that one Sri N Ravindra, Inspector of Police, DCIB Branch, Chamarajanagar has lodged a complaint before the respondent-police on 01.09.2017 at about 7 pm alleging that on the afternoon of 01.09.2017 when he was in the office, he received a direction from the Superintendent of Police to conduct raid on Himagiri Resorts as some immoral traffic activities are going on in the said resort by trafficking women from various places and using for prostitution. Accordingly, the complainant and his staff had been to the place where he found that accused 1 to 8 were involved in prostitution and, as such, they have been arrested and taken to the custody. Thereafter, enquiry revealed that the girls were brought from various parts of the country and used for prostitution. It is also alleged in the complaint that certain articles were seized in furtherance of the investigation including money. On the basis of the said complaint, case was registered for the alleged offences as against the petitioners and other accused persons.

(3.) Heard the arguments of the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners/accused Nos.9 and 10 and also the learned High Court Government Pleader appearing for the respondent-State.