Retd cop’s son, constable get 8-yr jail in drug case

GUILTY Both were arrested in March 2017 with 2kg opium; FIR says they were involved in drugs business at larger scale

JALANDHAR : Additional district and sessions judge, Jalandhar, Parminder Singh Grewal, convicted a Punjab Police constable and son of retired inspector in a drug case, on Tuesday.

The court awarded Pavittar Singh, the constable, and Amanpreet Singh, son of police inspector, who was also working as teacher in a private school, eight years jail and fined ₹50,000 each under the Section 18 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

If the accused fail to deposit the fine, they will have to serve three months more in jail.

In the judgment, the court contended, “It is the duty of the police to curb the drug menace by taking effective measures against it. However, instead of curbing the consumption and supply of narcotics substances, Pavittar Singh and Amanpreet Singh were found neck-deep in the illegal business.”

It further said that Amanpreet who is also a teacher by profession and possession of 2kg opium jointly with Pavittar Singh has only lowered the noble profession of teaching.

The court rejecting the plea of the accused Amanpreet, who sought relief on the ground that his marriage is scheduled on January 8 next year, said the matter is not of any help in the view that he was transporting narcotics substance despite being a teacher and son of a retired police inspector.

The court also declined Pavittar Singh counsel’s request of considering leniency in awarding punishment to the accused given his wife and minor son is completely dependent on him as his parents have died.

As per the FIR, both accused were involved in drugs business at larger scale. In March 2017, police had arrested Pavittar and Amanpreet near canal bridge on Adamour-Bhogpur road, with 2kg of opium in their car.

A case was registered against the accused under relevant Sections of the NDPS Act.

It is the duty of the police to curb drug menace. Instead of curbing consumption and supply of narcotics, Pavittar Singh and Amanpreet Singh were found neck-deep in the illegal business. Court order