Nagpur: In a significant verdict reinforcing the fight against human trafficking, the District and Sessions Court-8, Nagpur, presided over by Judge S.S. Maudekar, on Wednesday sentenced Sagar Devrao Tajnekar (20) to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for his involvement in human trafficking and prostitution. The conviction was delivered under Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in connection with Crime No. 766/2021 registered at Imamwada Police Station.
According to court proceedings, the accused was found guilty of luring minor girls with money, coercing them into prostitution, and providing premises for carrying out the illegal activities. The court also imposed a fine of ?10,000 on the convict, with an additional six months of imprisonment in case of default. The second accused in the case, however, was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
The case dates back to August 21, 2021, when social activist Mangala Harde alerted the Crime Branch, Nagpur, about the trafficking activities. Acting on the tip-off, a detailed probe was launched under the supervision of then Senior Police Inspector Santosh Kadam. Following a thorough investigation, a charge sheet was submitted before the sessions court.
During the trial, Government Prosecutor Adv. Kanti Sheikh Neware, assisted by Court Pleading Officers Surekha Sonavane and Kalpana Masram, presented strong evidence leading to the conviction. Adv. Patrikar appeared on behalf of the accused.
The verdict is being hailed as a significant step towards curbing organized human trafficking and protecting vulnerable minors in the city.
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