Ludhiana Court Sentences Two to 10 Years for Drug Trafficking
A special court in Ludhiana has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing two men to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment after they were found in "conscious possession" of a commercial quantity of illegal intoxicant capsules. The judgment, pronounced by Judge Gurpreet Kaur, underscores the judiciary's firm stance against narcotics offenses in the region.
Heavy Fines and Additional Penalties Imposed
In addition to the decade-long prison term, Judge Kaur imposed a substantial fine of Rs 1 lakh on each convict. The court specified that failure to pay this fine would result in an additional year of rigorous imprisonment for both individuals, highlighting the severe consequences of non-compliance.
Case Background and Police Action
The case traces back to June 19, 2021, when Ludhiana's Kotwali police acted on a credible tip-off regarding a suspicious Mahindra Tempo vehicle parked near the Old Kotwali building. Upon investigation, police officers discovered a bag containing nearly 340 grams of Tramadol salt, a regulated opioid substance, cleverly concealed near the vehicle's gearbox.
The two suspects, identified as Kamaljyoti from Dholewal and Jaspal Singh from Shimlapuri, were apprehended on-site. The prosecution presented evidence labeling them as habitual traffickers, leading to their arrest under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Defense Challenges and Court's Rebuttal
During the trial, defense counsels vigorously argued for acquittal, raising questions about the credibility of the prosecution's case. They pointed out that the evidence relied solely on the testimony of police officers, with no independent civilian witnesses to corroborate the claims. The defense contended that this lack of external validation suggested the possibility of the contraband being planted.
However, the court firmly dismissed these allegations. Judge Kaur noted the common reluctance of the public to involve themselves in criminal proceedings, stating, "There is no legal proposition that evidence of official witnesses, unless supported by an independent witness, is unworthy of acceptance." This ruling reinforced the validity of police testimony in such cases.
Verdict Based on Complete "Link Evidence"
In her detailed judgment, Judge Kaur emphasized that the defendants failed to provide any evidence of a prior grudge or enmity with the arresting officers that could motivate false implication. The court described it as "highly improbable" that police would procure and plant such a large commercial quantity of drugs without any underlying cause.
Finding the "link evidence" against Kamaljyoti and Singh to be complete and compelling, the court ordered the maximum standard sentence. This decision aims to serve as a strong deterrent against future drug trafficking activities in the Ludhiana region, sending a clear message about the legal repercussions of such offenses.
The verdict highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the judiciary to combat the menace of drug trafficking, ensuring that those involved face severe penalties under the law.
