PANAJI
The Additional Sessions Judge for North Goa (Mapusa) has cleared one of the two accused in the 2017 Calangute sex trafficking case due to a lack of enough evidence to proceed against him. However, the Court found enough evidence to charge the main accused, Rehan Qureshi, and has ordered a trial against him.
Judge Sharmila Patil ruled that Qureshi would face trial for crimes under Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code (trafficking of persons) and Sections 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. The Court noted that the evidence, particularly the victim’s statement, showed Qureshi’s direct involvement in bringing her into prostitution.
“The first accused (Qureshi) is charged with bringing the victim for sexual activities. The victim’s statement confirms she was brought by him...” the Judge stated.
The second accused, Chandran Kumar, was discharged, with the Court stating that, as a customer, he could not be charged with the offences against him. His bail bond was also cancelled, subject to the expiry of the appeal period.
“There is enough evidence to show that accused No. 1 committed offences under Section 370 of the IPC and Sections 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the ITP Act. However, accused No. 2, being a customer, cannot be tried for the charges against him. Therefore, charges will be framed only against accused No. 1,” the order read.
The Calangute police raided a resort on November 21, 2017, and rescued a victim allegedly trafficked for prostitution. She stated that she travelled from Mumbai to Goa on November 19 after being contacted by Qureshi through a friend, Jyoti from Bangalore. Qureshi reportedly met her at the bus stop and took her to a lodging.
On November 21, he allegedly told her a client had been arranged and took her to a store on a scooter, where she met Chandran Kumar, who then took her to the resort. The police raided shortly after and rescued her. The prosecution claims the victim didn’t know the transaction amount or the lodging location.
