Nagpur: In a stern message against organised crime, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has denied bail to Sachin Ramesh Patil, a key aide in a notorious child trafficking syndicate, observing that his release could pave the way for similar offences to continue.
Justice Vrushali V. Joshi, while rejecting the bail plea, noted that the material on record clearly established Patil’s active involvement in the organised network led by accused Ayesha Maqbool Khan, which allegedly trafficked infants for illegal adoption.
“The evidence prima facie shows that the accused actively assisted the organised crime syndicate and is part of the conspiracy. There is no reasonable ground to believe that he is not guilty or that he is unlikely to commit further offences,” Justice Joshi observed in the order.
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18 Oct 2025
Patil was arrested by Koradi Police under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
According to the prosecution, Patil worked closely with the prime accused, Ayesha Maqbool Khan, who headed the child trafficking racket. His role was to identify and connect vulnerable women, including a pregnant woman, to the syndicate, facilitating the illegal transfer of infants for money. Investigators said Patil’s methods mirrored the modus operandi of the gang leader, and at least seven similar cases were already registered against him.
Despite the defence’s argument that the trial had been delayed and that the Supreme Court had laid down principles favouring bail in prolonged cases, the Court refused to extend relief, citing the strict provisions of Section 21(4) of MCOCA.
Justice Joshi observed that before granting bail under MCOCA, the Court must be satisfied that the accused is not guilty and is unlikely to reoffend, conditions that were clearly not met in Patil’s case. The Court further remarked that his release could “hamper the ongoing investigation and embolden the organised network engaged in trafficking.”
The order reinforces the judiciary’s uncompromising stance against organised crime syndicates, particularly those preying on minors and women. The bench emphasised that Patil was not a passive associate but an “active conspirator” who played a crucial role in sustaining the syndicate’s operations.
Adv S. P. Bhandarkar appeared for the applicant, while Senior Advocate and Government Pleader D. V. Chauhan, assisted by APP T. H. Udeshi, represented the State.
