Four Convicted in Landmark Pune Human Trafficking Case; Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail
Four Convicted in Landmark Pune Human Trafficking Case; Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail
PUNE: In a significant verdict against human trafficking, the Pune District and Sessions Court has sentenced four individuals to rigorous imprisonment for their involvement in a 2021 trafficking case. The case was initially registered at Bhor Police Station under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (PITA).
Court Verdict
Presiding over the trial, Judge K.D. Shirbhate handed down the following sentences:
- Komal Sunil More alias Kore (26) and Reshma Mahesh Gaikwad alias Reshma Surose (29)Â were found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking for sexual exploitation.
- Seven years imprisonment and a fine of ₹2,000 each under IPC Sections 363 and 366 (kidnapping and abduction).
- Ten years imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 under IPC Section 370(4) (trafficking of persons).
- Seven years imprisonment and a fine of ₹1,000 under Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the PITA Act (immoral trafficking).
- Sunil Brijlal Kori and Jasaram Bhayaram Sutar were convicted under the POCSO Act and IPC for aggravated sexual assault and trafficking.
- Ten years imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 under POCSO Act Section 6 (aggravated sexual assault).
- Five years imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 under IPC Section 370(1) (trafficking for forced labor or sexual exploitation).
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was investigated by Police Inspector Pravin More under the supervision of then Deputy Superintendent of Police Dhananjay Patil. Public Prosecutor Nitin Konghe presented the prosecution’s case, while Superintendent of Police Pankaj Deshmukh oversaw the court proceedings. District Court Pairavi Officer Pl Santosh Gholve, along with the Bhor Police Station team, played a crucial role in the investigation, which continued despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This verdict is seen as a strong step toward curbing human trafficking and ensuring justice for victims.
