Two youths get 15-year jail for possessing 200-kg poppy husk

Our Legal Correspondent

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Ludhiana, May 24

Additional Sessions Judge Jaspal Verma has convicted two youths Gurpawan, alias Pamma, and Gurditta of Karnal on the charges of illegally possessing 200 kg of poppy husk.

The duo was awarded 15-year jail term each along with a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh each.

Delivering the verdict, the court held that the prosecution had proved the charges leveled against the accused beyond any shadow of doubt. The judge also declined the plea of leniency raised by the accused.

An FIR was registered against them at the Malaud police station in August 2014 under the NDPS Act.

According to the prosecution, on August 18, 2014, Sub-Inspector Jarnail Singh along with a police party was patrolling near Roria Chowk when they saw the accused coming in a Corolla car. After seeing the police party, they tried to turn back. Following suspicion, they were stopped and a search was conducted. The accused were found in possession of huge quantity of poppy husk following which they were arrested.

During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty. They claimed false implication in the case.

But after appreciating the evidence on record, hearing the arguments advanced by the Additional Public Prosecutor, the court found them guilty and sentenced accordingly.