Israeli suspect in drug trade jumps bail in India
(Video) Yaniv Benaim, arrested after girlfriend uploads incriminating YouTube clip, vanishes from Goa
VIDEO - An official says an Israeli accused of being part of a drug ring involving Indian police has jumped bail and disappeared from the popular Indian tourist resort region of Goa.
State Home Minister Ravi Naik says he ordered an inquiry into the disappearance of 36-year-old Yaniv Benaim, dubbed 'Atala' by local police.
News report on Benaim's arrest
Benaim was arrested in March and charged with trafficking in narcotic drugs. He was nabbed after his girlfriend uploaded a YouTube video filmed without his knowledge, in which he is seen recounting a drug purchase from police.
"He brought me a bag full of drugs – bottles, cocaine, heroine," Benaim is heard saying in a phone conversation.
A court freed him on bail in June, but ordered him to stay in Goa to assist the police investigation into the case. He has been missing for four weeks.
Naik said Wednesday that seven local police officers have been arrested so far in the case.
"We will bring the matter to the notice of the court and seek further directions from it," a police official told the Times of India.
"He was not found at the address which has been notified to us. The matter came to our notice when we sent our men to the hotel where he was staying as some new facts in the case had come to our notice and we required him for questioning. This was last week. We are searching for him as he can't leave Goa as the bail conditions makes it essential that he remains in the state," the paper quoted another police source as saying.
Goa is a former Portuguese colony and popular backpacking destination known for its drug-infused beach parties.
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