In a significant judgment under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a court in Aurangabad district on Monday sentenced a man to 11 years of rigorous imprisonment in connection with the recovery of about 11 kg of opium.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
District and Sessions Judge-II Anindita Singh convicted the accused, Istkhar Alam, after completion of a speedy trial. The court awarded him 11 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh. The court also directed that in case of non-payment of the fine, the convict would have to undergo an additional six months of imprisonment.
Details of the Arrest and Recovery
According to special public prosecutor (NDPS Act) Parvez Akhtar, the accused was arrested by police on April 5, 2025, during a raid conducted at his residence in Narari village. During the search operation, police recovered about 11 kg of opium from the house, following which a case was registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act.
Akhtar said the prosecution placed documentary as well as oral evidence before the court during the trial. After examining the evidence and witnesses, the court found the accused guilty and pronounced the sentence.
Judicial Custody and Bail Rejection
Advocate Satish Kumar Sanehi, who was associated with the case proceedings, said the accused had remained in judicial custody since the date of his arrest. He added that the Patna High Court had earlier rejected the accused’s bail application considering the gravity of the offence.
Conviction Statistics in Aurangabad
Akhtar said with the latest conviction, courts in Aurangabad district have so far convicted accused persons in 10 NDPS cases since January this year.
