Russia-Ukraine War: Delhi court denies bail to man accused of trafficking Indians to Russia for war roles

A Delhi court has rejected the bail plea of ​​Michael Elangovan Anthony, a Mumbai resident, accused of trafficking Indian citizens to Russia to serve in combat missions against Ukraine. The court, presided over by Special Judge Atul Krishna Agrawal, highlighted the seriousness of the charges and the potential risk of tampering with evidence if Anthony is released on bail.

Anthony, who has been in custody since his April 26 arrest, has maintained his innocence, saying he was a victim of trafficking and falsely implicated. Despite his claims, Justice Agrawal highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, saying: “The allegations against the accused are grave and serious in nature. Release of the applicant on bail at this stage will hamper further investigation into the case. It is also possible that he will attempt to destroy evidence that has not yet been obtained by the IO (investigator). The plaintiff can also help other defendants continue to evade the legal process. »

According to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Anthony and his associates misled Indian nationals into believing that they were being recruited for legitimate employment opportunities in the Russian Army as security guards and aides . Instead, the victims were forced to fight and given Russian military uniforms and insignia. The CBI investigation revealed that these individuals were deployed to active war zones against their will, putting their lives at risk. Several of the trafficking victims were seriously injured.

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Further, the CBI alleged that the racket also targeted Indian students by promising them admission to dubious private universities in Russia. Students were lured by offers of visa extensions and discounted fee structures, only to be left at the mercy of visa officers and university authorities upon arrival. Their passports were confiscated by the agents, leaving them vulnerable and stranded in a foreign country.

The court's decision to deny bail was heavily influenced by the possibility that Anthony would obstruct the ongoing investigation. The judge stressed the need to avoid interference in the collection of further evidence and to avoid assistance to other defendants who are still evading the law.

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