Amroha Court Delivers Life Sentences in Decade-Long Illicit Liquor Case
In a significant verdict, the court of Additional District Judge (ADJ-III) in Amroha on Tuesday sentenced two individuals to life imprisonment for their involvement in the production of illicit liquor. The convicts were found guilty of adding hazardous chemicals, including urea and ammonium chloride, to the spirit to enhance its potency.
Details of the Conviction and Acquittal
The court imposed a fine of ₹500 each on the two convicts, Parmeet Singh (35) from Mirzapur village in Meerut and Makhan Chopra (45) from Chandra Farm village in Mandi Dhanaura. However, two other accused were acquitted due to a lack of sufficient evidence, highlighting the complexities of the legal proceedings.
Background of the Raid and Arrests
The case dates back to December 23, 2012, when a joint team of police and excise officials conducted a raid on illicit liquor manufacturing sites near the Ganga in Mukarampur village, under the jurisdiction of the Mandi Dhanaura police station in Amroha district. During the operation, Parmeet Singh and Makhan Chopra were apprehended, while two other suspects managed to evade capture initially.
Amroha SP Lakhan Singh Yadav reported that authorities recovered substantial quantities of spurious liquor, along with 3 kg of urea and 1 kg of ammonium chloride. These chemicals were used to render the spirit toxic and more potent, posing severe health risks to consumers.
Legal Proceedings and Trial
A case was registered against the accused under Section 60 of the Excise Act and Section 272 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The absconding individuals were later arrested, and all four were subsequently remanded to jail. The trial spanned over a decade, involving more than 150 hearings and the examination of five witnesses from the police and excise departments.
After meticulous deliberation, the court convicted Parmeet Singh and Makhan Chopra based on the testimonies and evidence presented. The acquittal of the other two accused underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring that convictions are grounded in solid proof, even in lengthy and complex cases.
Implications of the Verdict
This verdict sends a strong message against the production and distribution of illicit liquor, particularly when it involves the use of dangerous additives. The life sentences reflect the severity of the offense and the potential harm caused to public health. The case also highlights the persistent efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system in tackling such crimes, despite the challenges of prolonged legal battles.
