Fatehabad Court Delivers 10-Year Sentence in Opium Smuggling Case
In a significant ruling in a nearly seven-year-old opium smuggling case, the court of additional sessions judge Hemant Yadav in Fatehabad has sentenced the primary accused to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a substantial fine of Rs 1 lakh on the convicted individual. This decision underscores the judiciary's firm stance against narcotics trafficking under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Case Background and Arrest Details
According to district attorney Devendra Mittal, the case originated on April 17, 2019, when a complaint was filed by inspector Ravish Kumar at the Ratia police station. The complaint led to the registration of a case under the NDPS Act, targeting individuals involved in the illegal opium trade. Police investigations swiftly led to the arrest of Dashrath, also known as Kamal, a resident of Nariya Khurd village in Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh.
Dashrath was apprehended from the bus stand in Chimmo village, where he was found in possession of a commercial quantity of opium, specifically 3.5 kg. During subsequent interrogation, he revealed crucial details about his involvement in the smuggling operation. Dashrath disclosed that he worked as a driver for Suraj Singh, alias Govind, another resident of Lukachiniya village in Mandsaur district, Madhya Pradesh.
Co-Accused Declared Proclaimed Offender
Dashrath informed the police that Suraj Singh had allegedly supplied him with the opium and assigned him the task of delivering it on a commission basis. Following this revelation, police arrested Suraj Singh in connection with the case. However, after securing bail, Suraj Singh failed to appear before the court for subsequent proceedings, evading the legal process.
As a result of his non-appearance, the court took decisive action by declaring Suraj Singh a proclaimed offender on March 25, 2025. This status highlights the court's commitment to ensuring that all accused individuals face justice, even if they attempt to avoid court hearings. The declaration serves as a stern warning to others involved in similar illicit activities.
Court Proceedings and Final Judgment
The court meticulously examined all evidence presented during the trial, including testimonies and material proofs related to the opium seizure. After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense sides, judge Hemant Yadav found Dashrath guilty of possessing a commercial quantity of contraband under the NDPS Act.
In delivering the sentence, the court emphasized the severity of narcotics offenses and their detrimental impact on society. The 10-year rigorous imprisonment term, coupled with the Rs 1 lakh fine, reflects the stringent penalties mandated by the NDPS Act for such crimes. This ruling aims to deter future smuggling attempts and reinforce the legal framework combating drug trafficking in the region.
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to crack down on opium smuggling networks operating across state borders. It also highlights the judicial system's role in upholding the law and delivering justice in narcotics-related cases, ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.
