Kerala court grants bail to organ trafficking accused

A man accused of trafficking Indians for organ trade in Iran has been granted bail by the Kerala High Court. The court decided that keeping him in jail without a trial for too long is unfair. They imposed strict conditions on his bail. The court's decision came from a ruling by a panel of judges, noting that the case involved monetary transactions of about Rs 100,000. The accused, Bellamkonda Ram Prasad, was the fourth person charged, and his co-accused had already received bail. The judges felt that denying him bail would be unjust. Ram Prasad was arrested on May 24, 2024, after an investigation into an illegal organ trade operation. He was accused of luring vulnerable young individuals, assuring them that organ donation was legal in Iran, and trafficking them there. When Ram Prasad first applied for bail in a lower court, his request was denied. The court cited his active role in trafficking and potential harm to vulnerable individuals as reasons. However, he later appealed to the High Court, arguing that his treatment should be the same as that of his co-accused who were granted bail. The prosecution argued against his bail, emphasizing the societal harm of such crimes. They asked the court to consider public safety. The High Court, however, pointed out that Ram Prasad had been in custody for an extended period and that his trial might take a long time. Ultimately, the High Court granted bail on the grounds that continuous detention could violate his rights. The conditions for his bail include a bond of Rs 500,000, surrendering his passport, and travel restrictions within Kerala. He is also prohibited from intimidating witnesses or tampering with evidence.