Ahmedabad: In a significant development in a narco terrorism case, an exclusive National Investigation Agency (NIA) court here has canceled the bail granted earlier to an accused by a Punjab sessions court. The cancellation was ordered for the purpose of further investigation, as the central agency discovered that the accused played a crucial role in a 500 kg heroin haul that was smuggled into the country.
Background of the Case
Haneetpal Singh alias Honey, a resident of Punjab, was one of the 12 accused named in a heroin seizure case in January 2020 by the Punjab Special Task Force. Four individuals, including Honey, were granted bail by an additional sessions judge in Amritsar in July 2020. Since then, Honey had been out on bail.
The Union Home Ministry transferred the case to the NIA in 2021 after the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) probe into a 4.9 kg heroin seizure revealed that it was part of an international drug racket. The contraband was intended to be sent to Punjab. After taking over the investigation, the NIA uncovered that 500 kg of heroin was brought from Pakistan to Gujarat via the sea route in three consignments between March 9, 2018, and May 31, 2018.
Role of the Accused
The NIA's probe revealed that Honey played a significant role in the smuggling of the contraband and in managing the funds. As the wider international drug racket came to light, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) was also invoked in the case. However, Honey was not available for questioning as he had been granted regular bail by the Punjab court.
In 2024, the NIA filed a case in the special court in Ahmedabad, naming 18 accused in its draft charge, including Honey as wanted accused number 11. Honey objected to his alleged role and unsuccessfully challenged the draft charge.
NIA's Application for Bail Cancellation
The NIA filed an application in the special court seeking the cancellation of Honey's bail, arguing that his custodial interrogation was necessary. The NIA submitted that the Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier canceled the bail of three other accused in the same case, and Honey's bail should also be canceled to enable the NIA to arrest him. The agency highlighted that his role was found to be that of an active conspirator in handling and transferring drug proceeds, facilitating hawala transactions, and routing funds to Pakistan, Dubai, and other foreign destinations.
Court's Decision
After hearing the arguments, special NIA judge M P Purohit considered the cancellation of bail of three co-accused by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, given the gravity of the allegations. The NIA court observed that it is a well-settled proposition of law that an accused who has been granted bail can be directed to be arrested and committed to custody upon the addition of graver and non-cognizable offenses, despite a prior bail order. The court further noted that to elicit information about the extent of involvement and the role played by the accused, a thorough and effective investigation is required, and for that purpose, custodial interrogation of the accused is essential.
On May 27, the NIA court canceled the bail and ordered the agency to arrest Honey, six years after he was released in the case.
