Indian spices are renowned for adding aroma and flavor to food. From garam masala to amchur powder, these spices are celebrated for their distinct kick in Indian cuisine. However, in an unfortunate incident, these humble spices led to a man being incarcerated for 57 days. Here is the full story.
The Incident at Bhopal Airport
According to a report by The Independent, an Indian businessman was traveling through Bhopal airport in Madhya Pradesh, en route to Malaysia via Delhi. During security checks, explosive trace detection machines flagged packets of common cooking spices, including garam masala and amchur powder, as containing heroin and a psychotropic substance. The man was immediately arrested under India's Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and held in custody while samples were sent for testing.
Forensic Analysis and Court Ruling
The samples were sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Hyderabad, which confirmed they contained no contraband. However, by that time, the man had already spent 57 days in jail. The Madhya Pradesh High Court later found that the state had violated the man's fundamental right to liberty. It was discovered that the detection machine, manufactured in Canada, was not calibrated to handle aromatic Indian spices, which likely triggered a false detection.
Compensation Awarded
The court awarded 10 lakh rupees (approximately £9,000) in compensation, to be paid within three months. The case had been ongoing since 2011, and the ruling finally brought justice to the businessman.
About the Author
This article is from the TOI Lifestyle Desk, a dynamic team of dedicated journalists who curate lifestyle news for The Times of India readers. They cover fashion, travel, culinary delights, wellness tips, and more.
