Four convicted in high-profile Jagraon drug trafficking case

In a landmark decision, Additional Sessions Judge Sandeep Singh Bajwa has convicted four individuals in a high-profile drug trafficking case under the NDPS Act. The convicts were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment and fined for their involvement in the illegal trade of narcotic substances.

Baljeet Singh, a resident of Talwandi Bhai, Ferozepur, and Ravi Kumar of Haibowal Khurd, Ludhiana, were sentenced to 14 years each in prison and fined Rs 1.5 lakh. Sahil Jindal, hailing from New Jagat Nagar, Ludhiana, received a 15-year prison term along with a fine of Rs 2 lakh. Piyush Arora, a resident of Joshi Nagar, Haibowal Kalan, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined Rs 1.5 lakh.

The court, while delivering its verdict, observed that the prosecution had presented irrefutable evidence, including witness testimonies and recovery reports, which conclusively proved the involvement of the accused in drug trafficking. The judge highlighted the grave societal impact of such illegal activities, which contribute to addiction, family breakdowns, accidents and an increase in criminal behaviour.

Additional Sessions Judge Bajwa noted that despite the convicts pleading for leniency, their actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for law and society. He emphasised that the scale of the illegal operation and quantity of drugs recovered warranted stringent punishment to deter others from engaging in similar crimes.

The case dates back to November 9, 2019, when an FIR was registered at the Jagraon city police station under the NDPS Act. Additional public prosecutor Ajay Kumar Singla said a police team stationed at Malak Chowk, Jagraon, acting on a tip-off, intercepted Baljeet and Ravi, who were travelling on a white Activa scooter. The police recovered 18,000 Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets from their possession. The duo failed to produce any valid licence or permit for carrying the contraband.

Upon interrogation, they revealed the names of their accomplices, Sahil and Piyush. A raid on Sahil’s godown on Jassian Road led to the recovery of a massive haul of drugs, including 1,15,500 Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets, 73,600 Alprazolam tablets, and 23,100 capsules of other intoxicants. The recovery also included 52,600 capsules of Tramadol Hydrochloride and Diclofenac Sodium and 22,000 additional capsules of similar substances. At Piyush Arora’s premises, the police recovered 2,000 Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets.

The judgment not only holds the accused accountable for their actions but also sends a strong message against the menace of drug trafficking. The case underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in combating the growing threat of substance abuse, which continues to plague communities across the region.