The Punjab and Haryana High Court has firmly rejected the bail plea of Amit Gambhir, a key accused in a massive narco-terrorism case linked to the seizure of over 530 kilograms of heroin at the Attari border in 2019. The court underscored evidence showing his alleged role in activities threatening national security.
Court Cites Threat to National Security
A division bench comprising Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill and Justice Ramesh Kumari observed that there is substantial evidence of Gambhir's involvement in a series of acts intended to endanger the unity, integrity, and security of India. The judges noted the case involves narco-terrorism, where profits from drugs smuggled into India were allegedly sent to Dubai via hawala transactions to fund terrorist activities from across the border.
The court detailed that Gambhir was in touch with the main accused, Tariq Ahmad Lone. It was also noted that he fled to Thailand and other countries after authorities intercepted the narcotics-laden consignment.
Details of the Massive Drug Seizure
The case originates from a major interception in June 2019 at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Attari. Customs officials discovered 532 kg of heroin and 52 kg of mixed narcotics cleverly concealed within bags of rock salt imported from Pakistan. The consignment, found in a Pakistani truck, had an estimated international market value of a staggering Rs 72,700 crore.
Given the scale and implications, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) transferred the probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The agency registered the case under the stringent provisions of the IPC, NDPS Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
International Conspiracy and Money Trail
The NIA's investigation unraveled an alleged international conspiracy involving handlers based in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was found that proceeds from the narcotics trade were routed abroad through illegal hawala channels.
According to the agency, Amit Gambhir operated an unlicensed parallel money transfer network. He is accused of facilitating the conversion of Indian currency into foreign exchange, primarily UAE dirhams, which were then sent to money exchanges in Dubai at the behest of his co-accused.
During the bail hearing, Gambhir defended himself as a legitimate currency exchange businessman. He sought bail on the grounds of parity, arguing that other co-accused in the case had been released earlier.
Court Orders Expedited Trial
While dismissing the bail plea, the High Court expressed concern over the pace of the trial. It noted that out of a total of 248 witnesses, the prosecution has examined only 11 so far. Consequently, the bench directed the trial court to conduct proceedings expeditiously to ensure justice is delivered without undue delay.
This order highlights the judiciary's focus on balancing the rights of the accused with the necessity for a speedy trial in cases of grave national importance.
