New Delhi: A Delhi court has refused bail to Micheal Elangovan Anthony, a Mumbai resident accused of trafficking Indian citizens to Russia under false pretenses. Anthony, who claimed innocence, sought bail on grounds of being a victim himself in the trafficking racket.
Special Judge Atul Krishna Agrawal denied Anthony’s bail plea, citing the seriousness of the charges against him and the potential risk of evidence tampering. “The allegations against the accused are grave and serious in nature. Granting bail at this stage could obstruct further investigation and lead to destruction of crucial evidence,” Judge Agrawal stated in an order issued on June 7.
Anthony has been in custody since his arrest on April 26.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has accused Anthony and his associates of luring Indian nationals to Russia with promises of employment in the Russian army, such as roles as security guards and helpers, in exchange for financial compensation. The victims were allegedly deceived into signing contracts to join the Russian army, trained for combat duties, and outfitted with Russian military uniforms and insignia.
Once in Russia, these individuals were reportedly deployed in active war zones against their will, endangering their lives. Some victims suffered severe injuries, the CBI claimed.
Furthermore, the accused allegedly defrauded Indian students by falsely offering them admissions to dubious private universities in Russia. They purportedly enticed students with promises of free or discounted visa extensions and favorable fee structures, only to abandon them to visa agents and unscrupulous college authorities upon arrival in Russia.
The CBI also asserted that the passports of the victims were confiscated by agents upon their arrival in Russia, further trapping them in dire circumstances.
The denial of bail underscores the severity of the accusations against Anthony and the ongoing investigation into the trafficking scheme, which has implications for national security and human rights.
As the case progresses, authorities continue to pursue leads to apprehend other individuals involved in the alleged racket, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and prosecution to ensure justice for the victims.