T.G. LIANA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. S. D. Purkayastha, learned counsel for the accused applicant and Mr. S. C. Keyal, learned Standing Counsel, Customs Department.

(2.) This is an application filed under Sec. 483 of the BNSS, 2023, for granting of bail to the accused applicant in connection with NDPS Case No. 01/CL/NDPS/METH/HQRS.PREV/SH/2025-26, dtd. 1/5/2025.

(3.) A complaint was filed by one Inspector, Customs Headquarters Preventive, Shillong, before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Cachar, Silchar, alleging that on receipt of specific intelligence information on 1/5/2025 at around 0800 hours, a team of Customs Officers intercepted a suspected vehicle allegedly transporting contraband substances. At around 1200 hours, they intercepted a four-wheeler vehicle bearing registration No. MJ-01-J-8482 coming from Saiphai side with three occupants, namely, Sri K. Lalruatdika (driver), Sri Lalrothuama Theik (passenger) and Sri T. G. Liana (passenger/accused applicant). On enquiry, though the occupants initially denied possession of any contraband, they later admitted to concealing drugs in a secret cavity beneath the dashboard area. Due to the presence of a large crowd at the interception site, the three persons were taken to the Customs Preventive Force Office, Silchar. On intimation, the dashboard of the vehicle was opened with the help of a mechanic and six rectangular, tightly packed packets were recovered. It was alleged that the recovered packets weighed 6 (six) kgs net allegedly containing Methamphetamine tablets, and accordingly, inventory and panchnama were prepared. Thereafter, the accused persons were arrested and produced before the learned Chief Judicial Magistrate, Cachar, Silchar, on 2/5/2025.