Acquittal in Thane Human Trafficking Case Highlights Evidence Gaps

A special court in Thane acquitted three people involved in a 2015 human trafficking case due to insufficient evidence, as the prosecution failed to present the minor victim's testimony. The court highlighted the lack of evidence to prove accusations of prostitution and the use of the location as a brothel.

In a significant development in a 2015 human trafficking case, a special court in Maharashtra's Thane district has acquitted three accused individuals. Radheshyam Nath, Kamala Dadhich, and Geeta Rana were cleared of all charges due to the prosecution's failure to present key evidence, particularly the minor victim's testimony.

The case, which involved allegations of forcing a minor into prostitution, fell apart as the victim and a decoy customer did not appear in court to testify. The police had previously raided a flat in the Hatkesh area, rescuing the minor and seizing cash and mobile phones, but this was not enough to secure a conviction.

The court emphasized the insufficiency of proof regarding the use of the premises as a brothel and its proximity to a religious site, as required by law. This acquittal reflects broader challenges in prosecuting human trafficking cases, where direct witness testimonies are crucial yet often lacking.