PANAJI
The Additional Sessions Judge-3, North Goa, on Wednesday rejected the bail application of Israeli national Yaniv Benaim aka Atala, in connection with an alleged drug peddling case.
During the hearing, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) put forth Atala’s criminal record, revealing that he is involved in seven cases — four of which have resulted in convictions, while three are still under investigation.
Opposing the bail plea, the ANC informed the court that Atala had previously made two attempts to flee the country. In his first attempt, he succeeded in escaping via Nepal and was later extradited from Peru. It was also submitted that he is currently residing in India without a valid passport or visa.
The ANC further stated that Atala’s custodial interrogation is still required for the ongoing investigation. The prosecution argued that releasing him on bail could risk his disappearance, given his past attempts to evade legal proceedings. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court dismissed the bail application.
Atala was arrested in a high-stakes drug bust at Siolim, which resulted in the seizure of cocaine and charas worth Rs 8.70 lakh along with Rs 40,000 cash last month.
