JAGROOP SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) APPELLANT Jagroop Singh has preferred this appeal challenging his conviction by the learned Special Judge, Faridkot for the offence punishable under Section 18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (for short, the 'NDPS Act'). He has been sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for ten years, besides, a fine of Rs. 1,00,000/ - and in default thereof, to further undergo rigorous imprisonment for two years.

(2.) BRIEF facts of the prosecution case are that PW3 ASI Harinder Singh was present at Sadiq Chowk on 26.01.1999 alongwith other police officials. A barricade was erected there. ASI Major Singh, HC Rachhpal Singh, HC Joginder Singh and one Bhim Sen son of Vir Bhan were joined in the police party. They proceeded to village Jandwala and from there to village Madduman.

(3.) WHEN they were half a kilometer from village Jandwala, accused Jagroop Singh was seen coming from the opposite side. He had wrapped a shawl around his body. He moved towards his right side on seeing the police party and tried to hide himself behind a heap of earth. He was apprehended on suspicion. ASI Harinder Singh after ascertaining his identity told him that he was suspected of carrying some intoxicant material and it was desired to conduct his search.