Mumbai: The sessions court has granted bail to Navy lieutenant commander Braham Sharma, who was arrested in connection with the South Korea visa racket, observing that the trial in the case has not commenced yet hence it's unlikely to conclude soon.
One of the several accused, including another naval officer Vipin Dagar, Sharma was alleged to be a mastermind behind the racket. As per the prosecution, the gang took Rs10 lakh per person and sent several people to East Asian countries using bogus visas.
Sharma, however, claimed that he was falsely implicated and that he has not benefited from the alleged crime. Besides, it was contended that the police have already filed a chargesheet hence investigation is over, negating the custodial need. He further argued that other accused in the case have already been released on bail.
Opposing the plea, the prosecution contended that Sharma and Dagar were found in possession of 14 Indian passports, a stamp machine to make fake stamps and around 108 rubber stamps of distinct establishments.
It claimed that Sharma's role was to procure documents through other accused and forward them to Dagar, who then coordinated with the consulate to obtain visas.
Further, the prosecution said that Sharma received funds in accounts operated by his mother and grandmother. “There is sufficient material to show Sharma's active participation in the commission of the offences,” it asserted.
The court, however, granted bail to Sharma, observing that he is under detention since June 29, 2024.
