Barnala, September 6
Former chairman of the Punjab State Forest Corporation jathedar Bharpur Singh Dhanaula was awarded three-year rigorous imprisonment (RI) in connection with an opium recovery case by a court today. The judgment was pronounced by Additional Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge for NDPS cases BS Sandhu. A fine of Rs 10,000 was also imposed on Dhanaula. He would have to undergo further RI for three months in case he defaulted in paying the fine.

Surjit Singh, another accused in the case, was also awarded RI for a period of one year and a half. A fine of Rs 5,000 was also imposed on him. In case of default in payment of fine, he would have to undergo further RI for one month.

Dhanaula and Surjit were arrested on May 17, 2003, and a case registered against them under Section 18 of the NDPS Act. While 1 kg of opium was seized from the possession of Dhanaula, Surjit was found to be carrying 250 gm opium.