Prosecution accused Sulatha of exploiting 2 women
PANAJI
The Additional Sessions Judge -3, North Goa, framed charges against a couple in connection with a high-profile prostitution racket case busted by the Crime Branch three years ago.
Sulatha Eringathurythy and her husband Thilakan Eringathurythy will now undergo trial under Section 370(3), 370(A)(2) read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 3, 4, 5, and 7 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.
During the arguments on the framing of the charge, the prosecution accused Sulatha of being involved in the exploitation of two women, forcing them into prostitution at a spa, located on MG Road in Panaji.
The victims, who were trafficked from different states, were allegedly sexually exploited against their will and were pushed into flesh trade activities by the accused. The prosecution also claimed that both the accused lived off the earnings from this illegal business.
Statements of the victims formed a part of the evidence even though the defence lawyer claimed that one of the victims, who was present in a different cubicle, did not support the prosecution's case.
The defence further asserted that the victims were aware of the nature of the work and had willingly taken up the job.
However, the court observed that at this prima facie stage, it cannot consider the defence's argument. “The statements of one of the victims show that they were in financial crisis and therefore, it is possible that accused persons have taken advantage of their situation. Therefore, (there is) prima-facie evidence to frame charge under Section 370(3) of IPC (trafficking of more than one person),” it said adding, “The statement of the decoy customer is also recorded by the police who supported the case of the prosecution. There are statements of the raiding party members which are also corroborating with the prosecution case and therefore, though coercion may not be physical coercion, it can be on account of financial constraint the victims were facing.”
The Crime Branch further submitted to the Court that the premises where the illegal activities were conducted had been rented out to the accused by Shankar Mahale under a Leave and Licence Agreement dated August 1, 2021. The licensor's statement was recorded, confirming that the accused had rented the flat for 11 months.
The prosecution stated that this evidence provided a solid foundation for framing charges against both accused. The Court, based on the submissions and statements, ordered framing charges against the duo for trial.
