Goa court rejects bail plea for Israeli national Yaniv Benaim

A court in Goa has rejected a fresh bail application filed by Israeli national Yaniv Benaim, also known as Atala, in connection with a narcotics case. The Principal District and Sessions Court in North Goa also ordered the issuance of a non-bailable warrant against him.

The legal proceedings follow a July 14 order from the Bombay High Court, which had set aside a previous bail order granted by a lower court. The High Court had directed Benaim to file a new application and provided temporary interim liberty until the Sessions Court reached a decision.

The Anti-Narcotic Cell (ANC) of the Goa Police opposed the bail plea, citing the severity of the narcotics offences and the accused’s criminal history, which includes previous drug-related cases and issues regarding overstaying in the country. Following the court's rejection, the interim protection previously extended by the High Court has ended.