JAI BAHADUR SINGH Vs. STATE OF H.P.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner has filed the present petition for seeking regular bail in FIR No. 69 of 2024, dtd. 6/8/2024, registered at Police Station, Kandaghat, District Solan, H.P., for the commission of offences punishable under Ss. 18 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act).

(2.) It has been asserted that, as per the prosecution, the police had recovered 4 kilograms 12 grams of opium from the petitioner's possession. The police arrested the petitioner on 6/8/2024. The petitioner is innocent, and he was falsely implicated. He would abide by the terms and conditions that the Court may impose. Hence, the petition.

(3.) The petition is opposed by filing a status report asserting that the police were on patrolling duty on 6/8/2024. They received a secret information at 10:30 am that one person was transporting a huge quanti y of opium. The information was credible. The police red ced it to writing and sent it to the Supervisory Officer. The police apprehended one person, who identified himself as Jai Bahadur (the present petitioner), in the presence of independent witnesses. He opted to be searched by a Gazetted Officer. A search of his backpack was conducted, and 4.12 K s. of opium was found in it. The Police seized the opium and arrested him. He revealed during the interrogation that he and Pradeep Chand had brought opium from Nepal. The police analysed the call details record and found that the petitioner and co-accused Pradeep Chand had stayed at Kullu with effect from 10/7/2024 till 28/7/2024. Pradeep Chand called the petitioner every hour on the date of the incident to know about his destination. Pradeep Chand switched off his mobile phone after the petitioner was arrested. Police sent the opium to FSL. It was confirmed to be opium after analysis. The police conducted the investigation and filed a charge-sheet before the learned Special Judge, Solan. The matter was listed for consideration of charge on 6/11/2025; hence, the status report.