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Delhi High Court Denies Anticipatory Bail in Child Trafficking–Illicit Liquor Case

The judge cited the need for custodial interrogation to determine if a broader network exploited children.

Overview

  • Justice Girish Kathpalia rejected Savitri’s plea in Savitri v. State (BAIL APPLN. 493/2026), noting the stricter threshold for anticipatory bail in cases involving minors.
  • The court recorded concerns that criminals increasingly use children as instruments to evade penal action and said granting pre-arrest bail would send the wrong signal.
  • According to the prosecution, a constable in Sangam Vihar witnessed illicit liquor sales, the child was caught with liquor pouches, and alleged seller Kajal fled the scene.
  • Investigators say the minor was brought to Delhi by the applicant, who is related to Kajal, with alleged monetary benefits under scrutiny including PhonePe statements.
  • Court records note alleged criminal antecedents, including multiple prior cases and one under the NDPS Act, as grounds supporting custodial questioning and a wider probe.