New Delhi, Feb 19 (PTI) The Supreme Court has cancelled the bail granted to a woman and others, accused of running a prostitution racket and administering growth harmones to minors, including a nine-year-old girl, to force them into flesh trade. Also Read - 2021 Haridwar Kumbh: In a First, Number of Pilgrims to Be Restricted; Entry Passes to Be Issued

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and D Y Chandrachud considered the seriousness of the crime which entails punishment ranging from seven years imprisonment to life sentence for setting aside the Allahabad High Court order of July 27, 2016 granting bail to the woman and other accused in the case. Also Read - Regulate Digital Media First: Centre Tells SC in Affidavit Filed in Response to Pleas Against Sudarshan TV

It held that the approach of the high court “cannot be said to be proper at all while enlarging the accused persons on bail in such a serious crime”. Also Read - 'Disservice To Nation': SC Stays Broadcast of TV Show 'UPSC Jihad', Says Intent is to Vilify Muslim Community

The accused have charged with section 370 (buying or disposing of any persons as a slave), section 373 (buying or obtaining possession of minor for the same purpose) and provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.

“As many as 41 minor girls were rescued during a raid which was conducted on May 1, 2016. All of them were kept confined and were subjected to torture and harassment.

“It was also alleged that growth hormones were given to a nine-year-old girl for purpose of prostitution and similar treatment was given to others.

“They were forced and were actually put into prostitution. They were kept hungry, intoxicated with drugs etc. There is a gang which is operating to force minor girls into prostitution and is involved in human trafficking,” the bench said. (More)

This is published unedited from the PTI feed.