A Delhi court rejected the bail plea of a man charged with trafficking Indian citizens during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The accused allegedly exploited the turmoil to facilitate illegal migration. The court cited serious allegations and potential risks in its decision.
New Delhi: A Delhi court rejected the bail plea of a man accused of trafficking Indian citizens to Russia, where they allegedly forced to fight in the ongoing war against Ukraine. The court noted the severity of the charges and expressed concerns that the accused might attempt to tamper with evidence.
Special Judge Atul Krishna Agrawal denied bail to Mumbai resident Micheal Elangovan Anthony, who maintained his innocence.
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In an order issued on June 7, the judge stated,
“The allegations against the accused are grave and serious. Granting bail at this stage could impede the ongoing investigation. There is also a possibility that he may attempt to destroy evidence that the Investigating Officer has yet to collect. Additionally, the applicant might help other accused individuals in evading the legal process.”
The accused applied for bail, asserting that he was a victim of the trafficking racket and had been falsely implicated.
Anthony arrested on April 26 and has remained in custody since then.
According to the CBI, the accused and his alleged accomplices trafficked Indian nationals to Russia under the guise of securing them jobs in the Russian army as security guards, helpers, and similar roles, in exchange for money.
The CBI claimed that the victims were “deceptively made to sign contracts for joining the Russian army.” They trained for combat roles and provided with Russian army uniforms and badges.
These Indian nationals then sent to war zones against their will, putting their lives in danger. Some of them suffered severe injuries, the CBI alleged.
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The alleged traffickers also defrauded Indian students by promising them admissions to dubious private universities in Russia, offering discounted visa extensions and fee structures. The students then left at the mercy of visa agents and college authorities, according to the CBI.
The CBI claimed that upon the victims’ arrival in Russia, the agents confiscated their passports.