IMPHAL, October 3: The Manipur High Court today cancelled the bail granted to Lt Colonel Ajay Chowdhry and six others, who were arrested in connection with the seizure of a huge consignment of drugs at the Pallel Check post.
The judgement was passed by a single bench of N Kotishwar, following a petition filed by the counsels of the state challenging the bail order of a special court (NDPS Manipur).
The special court had granted bail to the seven accused on two separate counts.
On July 17 last, a special court NDPS Manipur granted bail to three accused including Lt Col Ajay Chowdhry, Ng Brojendro and RK Babloo while the remaining four accused were granted bail on July 12 last.
The counsels in the petition challenged that the special judge has exercised its judicial discretion arbitrarily and erroneously by omitting certain provisions of the NDPS Act.
It further mentioned that the special court (NDPS Manipur) has failed to comply with the restrictions imposed under section 37& 36 A (4) of the NDPS Act adding that the Parliament has made effective provisions by introducing this NDPS Act 81 of 1985, specifying mandatory minimum imprisonment and fine as well as for not releasing the offenders on bail till the trial is completed.
In response to the petition, the High Court has set aside the order of the special court (NDPS Manipur) and cancelled the bail bond and security bond furnished.
The High Court also issued a directive that the accused should surrender before the special judge NDPS Manipur within one week with effect from October 3.
The counsels appearing on behalf of Manipur are RS Reisang, Government Advocate assisted by Shyam Sharma while N Ibotombi, W Darakishore, appeared on behalf of the accused.
The last hearing of the seven criminal revision petition case (Reference FIR No.27(02)2013 Kakching P.S U/S 21/25A/29/60 ND&PS Act & Sec. 140/136/34 IPC27 Arms Act) was held on September 24 and 26 and the judgement was reserved for today.
It may be recalled that on February 24, a team of Thoubal police commandos led by Sub Inspector L Dhanabir Singh, intercepted a consignment of drugs worth rupees 25 crores from a vehicle convoy led by Lt Col Ajay Chowdhry. The police arrested six of the seven accused including the Lt Ajay Chowdhry. The five other accused are Letminlal Haokipalias Minlal Haokip (25), son of (L) Kakai Haokip of New Checkon near Brighter School; Lunkhohao Haokip alias Haopu Haokip (28), son of (L) Thangam Haokip of B Vengnom Churachandpur; Zangminthang Tuboi alias Minthang (29), son of Dousei Tuboi of Bunglung Village; Ngairangbam Brojendro Singh (40), son of (L) Ng. Gyaneshor Singh resident of Singjamei Khongnang Pheidekpi and RK Babloo (25), son of RK Bijen of Top Khongnangkhong.
The next day Seikholen Haokip, 35, son of former Minister Telsing Ngamjang Haokip of B Vengnom Tuibong was arrested.