The Punjab and Haryana High Court has refused to grant bail to two individuals, including the son of a former high-ranking Sikh religious figure, in a significant case involving narco-terrorism and the cross-border drone smuggling of weapons and narcotics.
Court Cites Terrorism as "Expensive Affair"
A division bench comprising Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill and Justice Ramesh Kumari dismissed the bail pleas of Gurmukh Singh and Gurmej Singh. The court observed that sponsoring terrorism is an "expensive affair" and noted the serious charge of heroin being smuggled into India alongside arms and ammunition to generate funds for terror activities.
The bench stated that facts presented by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) prima facie prove the appellants' involvement. "Since they have links with persons across the border, who fund their activities, there are also chances of their absconding from trial," the High Court remarked, underscoring the flight risk.
The NIA's Allegations and Recoveries
The central agency's case alleges that the accused were part of a larger conspiracy aimed at reviving militancy in Punjab. The plot involved the receipt, concealment, and distribution of arms, explosives, and terror funds.
According to the NIA, multiple consignments were collected between June and August 2021. These were hidden at various locations across Punjab, with details shared through encrypted messaging platforms. From Gurmukh Singh, the agency claims to have recovered a cache of items including:
- Grenades and detonators
- Pistols and cartridges
- Explosive materials
- Large sums of cash
- Multiple passports
- Vehicles
A critical allegation from the NIA is that the appellants were in contact with Lakhbir Singh Rode alias Baba, a declared terrorist and chief of a banned organization.
Defense Arguments and Court's Directive
Gurmukh Singh's counsel argued that his client was falsely implicated due to his family background and political reasons. The defense stressed that there was no direct recovery of illicit materials from his possession.
However, the NIA countered, asserting that the evidence clearly points to his role in facilitating terror activities. The High Court, after considering the submissions, ordered an expeditious trial. It directed the police and prosecution to complete the presentation of evidence in a timely manner to ensure the case reaches its logical conclusion swiftly.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of drone-based smuggling across the India-Pakistan border and its nexus with terror financing in the region.
