A sessions court in Mumbai granted bail on Monday to a dentist and medical professor from West Bengal, who was arrested in connection with an alleged interstate child trafficking racket earlier this year. The court observed that the accused, Dr. Reshmi Banerji (43), intended to take care of the child and found no evidence that she had caused him harm.
The Case: From a Missing Child to an Interstate Racket
The matter came to light in 2024 when Amar Sardar filed a missing person complaint at the Wadala police station in Mumbai. Sardar reported that his son-in-law, Ganesh Purvaiyya, had disappeared along with his toddler grandson. During the investigation, police located Purvaiyya in Andheri. He allegedly confessed to selling his own son to a middleman.
The trail then led authorities across state lines to Uttarpara in West Bengal. It was there, in April this year, that the police finally traced the missing child to the residence of Dr. Reshmi Banerji, a dentist and medical college professor.
Court's Reasoning for Granting Bail
While granting bail, the judge made several key observations based on the case details. The court noted that the charge-sheet had already been filed in the case. Importantly, it stated that Dr. Banerji, being a medical officer, had not committed any injuries to the child and was not a habitual offender.
The defence's submission played a crucial role. They argued that Banerji had prepared a birth certificate for the boy out of a desire to provide him with a stable home, education, and a "good life", under the belief that he was an orphan. Her lawyers contended that she was likely misled by the actual traffickers and was not part of any criminal conspiracy.
Although old marks were found on the child's body, the court noted they were not fresh injuries, and there was no evidence linking them to the doctor's actions.
Current Status and Aftermath
The victim child, at the center of this distressing case, currently remains under the care and protection of the Aasha Sadan Rescue Home. The bail order for Dr. Banerji marks a significant development in a case that highlights the grim realities of interstate child trafficking networks.
The court's decision underscores the legal principle of bail while considering the specific circumstances and lack of alleged violence from the accused. The investigation into the broader trafficking racket is expected to continue.
