The Bombay High Court has granted bail to a man accused of facilitating prostitution and receiving commissions for bringing clients to a lodge in Pune, Maharashtra. While issuing the bail, the court noted that there were no allegations against him regarding pushing any victims, including a minor, into sex work. The accused, Shankarlal Chhetre, had been in custody since June 16, 2023, after being arrested under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Prosecutors claimed that Chhetre acted as an agent, connecting brothel operators with victimized women and earning commissions for his involvement.

During the court proceedings, additional public prosecutor T.G. Khan and Diwali Bagla, a lawyer appointed through legal aid to represent the minor, strongly opposed Chhetre's bail. They argued that he was part of a larger network exploiting women and children. The prosecution expressed concerns that releasing Chhetre could lead to a resurgence of his criminal activities, heightening fears of trafficking. Focusing on Chhetre's role and the bail decision, the court stated that the applicant's involvement was limited to acting as an agent for the victims. There were no accusations against him for trafficking any victims or minors into prostitution, and the victims had been rescued by the police.

Chhetre was apprehended on June 15, 2023, following a tip-off received by an officer from the Shikarpur police station. According to information from a social organization, a minor girl was being trafficked at a lodge located near Bhimakoregaon village on the Pune-Ahmednagar highway. Subsequently, police conducted a raid with an undercover client and rescued two women and a minor from the premises. The police stated that the operation was conducted without a search warrant due to its urgent nature.