No Proof, No Conviction: Thane Court Clears Woman in Child Trafficking and Prostitution Case

Mumbai: A special court in Thane has acquitted a 26-year-old woman facing charges of child trafficking and operating a prostitution racket, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court pointed to major gaps in evidence, inconsistencies in the investigation and the absence of proof supporting key allegations.

The case stemmed from a police operation conducted near Mira Road railway station in April 2021, where authorities claimed they had acted on confidential information regarding an alleged trafficking network. Investigators said a decoy customer was used to arrange a deal, leading to the arrest of the accused and the rescue of three women, including one alleged minor.

However, the court found the prosecution’s version lacked sufficient support. A major issue raised in the ruling was the absence of documentary or electronic evidence to verify the alleged phone conversation used to arrange the operation. The court noted that despite claims involving mobile communication, no call records, recordings or digital evidence were produced.

The testimonies of the rescued women also weakened the prosecution’s case, according to the court. Statements made during trial did not support claims that the women had been brought for prostitution. Instead, some witnesses said they had been approached for other forms of work, including event-related assignments and promotional roles.

The court also held that the prosecution failed to conclusively establish the minor status of one of the alleged victims, a key element in the charges brought under child protection laws. With critical aspects of the case left unproven, the court ruled in favour of acquittal.

The judgment underscores the importance of corroborative evidence and procedural rigor in serious criminal cases involving trafficking and exploitation charges.