The Bombay High Court has denied the pre-arrest bail plea of Thane-based businessman Pradeep Ramesh Salunkhe, who is accused of involvement in a Ganja smuggling case. The case involves the seizure of 6 kg of Ganja and has sparked concerns over the possible existence of a larger drug trafficking network.
The investigation began on August 16, 2024, when Thane police intercepted a vehicle and a motorcycle following a tip-off. Upon searching the suspects, officers found 6 kg of Ganja in their possession. During questioning, one of the arrested individuals implicated Salunkhe as the supplier of the contraband, leading to his connection to the case.
In his plea for anticipatory bail, Salunkhe argued that there was no concrete evidence directly linking him to the crime, aside from the statements of the co-accused. He also expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation. However, the prosecution presented Call Detail Records (CDRs) showing regular communication between Salunkhe and the co-accused, indicating his involvement in the drug operation.
The court, while rejecting the bail request, stressed the severity of the offense and the potential social harm caused by such activities. It also noted that anticipatory bail should be granted with caution in serious cases like narcotics smuggling. The judge further stated that custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover more details about the smuggling network and prevent tampering with evidence.
Authorities are continuing their investigation, with a focus on dismantling the broader network allegedly linked to Salunkhe.
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