VIPINDAS Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The applications are filed under Sec. 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, by the accused 1 to 4 and 5 to 8 in Crime No.373/2024 of the Ernakulam North Police Station, Ernakulam, registered against the accused (ten in number) for allegedly committing the offences punishable under Ss. 370 r/w Sec. 34 of the Indian Penal Code (in short, 'IPC') and Ss. 5(1)(a), 6 and 7 of the Immoral Traffic and Prevention Act, 1956. The petitioners were arrested on 2/3/2024.

(2.) B.A.No.2873/2024 is filed by the accused 1 to 4 and B.A.No.2546 of 2024 is filed by the accused 5 to 8. Since the cases arise out of the same crime, they are consolidated, jointly heard and are being disposed of by this common order.

(3.) The essence of the prosecution case is that: the accused, in furtherance of their common intention, conducted a brothel in a three storied building at Kaloor, Ernakulam by enticing and bringing women for sexual exploitation. They offered the women to different customers for financial gain. Thus, the accused have committed the above offences.