Goa court rejects fresh bail plea of Israeli national Atala in drug case

Last Updated:August 14, 2026, 20:15 IST

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Panaji, Aug 14 (PTI) A court in Goa on Friday rejected a fresh bail application filled by Israeli national Yaniv Benaim alias Atala, an accused in a drug case being investigated by the Anti-Narcotic Cell (ANC) of the state police.

The Principal District and Sessions Court, North Goa, at Merces, also ordered the issuance of a non-bailable warrant against him, police said. He is currently out on interim bail.

Atala had moved the sessions court afresh following a July 14 order of the Bombay High Court which set aside an earlier order of the lower court granting him bail.

The High Court had directed Atala to appear before the trial court and file a fresh bail application within a week, and asked the sessions court to decide the plea within a month.

The High Court had also extended Atala’s temporary bail until the sessions court decided his fresh application.

At the sessions court, the ANC opposed his fresh bail plea, citing the seriousness of the offences and Atala’s past record of drug-related cases and overstay in the country.

Offences involving narcotic drugs have a wider ramification for society, particularly the younger generation, and therefore the bail application in such cases required careful consideration, the ANC said.

After hearing both sides, the sessions court rejected Atala’s fresh bail application. PTI RPS KRK

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)

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What happens to Atala now that his bail is rejected?

After his fresh bail application was rejected by a Goa court, a non-bailable warrant has been issued against Israeli national Yaniv Benaim, also known as Atala.

Why are drug cases considered so serious in India?

Drug cases are considered serious in India because offences involving narcotic drugs have wide-ranging negative effects on society, particularly on younger generations. The Supreme Court has also stated that the country’s sovereignty takes priority over personal liberty in cases involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

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First Published:

August 14, 2026, 20:15 IST

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