A drug peddler has been sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined Rs 10,000 by a Jammu court, marking the conclusion of an 18-year-old case involving the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The Jammu unit of the NCB announced the conviction on Sunday, bringing a long-standing legal battle to a close.
The individual, identified as Kunnu Bharti, also known as Abhinandan, had been granted bail in 2010 but subsequently absconded, evading the trial proceedings for several years. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the NCB’s persistent efforts were instrumental in tracing Bharti and bringing him back before the judicial system. The agency spokesperson highlighted this as a significant breakthrough, underscoring the NCB’s commitment to pursuing drug offenders even when they attempt to circumvent justice by jumping bail.
The case originated on December 3, 2008, when an NCB team discovered 960 grams of charas, concealed within a polythene bag, in Bharti’s possession in the Kashmir Basti area of Jammu. The recovery of the contraband initiated the legal process against him. However, during the course of the trial, Bharti’s decision to abscond after being granted bail in 2010 led to a prolonged suspension of the proceedings.
According to the NCB spokesperson, the agency subsequently located Bharti within Jammu’s Amphalla jail. While the specific case under which he was initially lodged in Amphalla jail was not immediately clear, his production before the competent court in August of the previous year was a crucial step in resuming the legal proceedings against him. This re-engagement with the judicial process allowed the court to proceed with the sentencing.
Following sustained legal efforts and the re-establishment of Bharti’s presence within the court’s jurisdiction, a special NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) court in Jammu delivered the verdict on August 11. The court sentenced Bharti to three years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. In the event of non-payment of the fine, Bharti will face an additional two months of rigorous imprisonment. Furthermore, the court mandated that prior to his release, the convict must furnish a bond of Rs 20,000 under Section 34 of the NDPS Act, a legal undertaking to refrain from engaging in similar offenses in the future.
The successful conclusion of this case, which dates back nearly 18 years, serves as a testament to the Jammu unit of the NCB’s unwavering resolve. The agency emphasized its commitment to pursuing individuals involved in drug trafficking, particularly those who attempt to evade legal accountability through means such as absconding after being granted bail. The NCB reiterated its ongoing appeal to the public to actively participate in the collective fight against drug trafficking.
The agency provided contact information for citizens to share intelligence regarding the sale, transportation, or trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Information can be relayed through MANAS – the National Narcotics Helpline, or by calling the toll-free number 1933. The NCB assured that the identities of informers would be kept strictly confidential, encouraging greater public cooperation in combating the menace of drug trafficking.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.