To expose easy availability of drugs, activist produces hashish in court

Surprised by the act, Chief Thakur asked Goswami as to where he got the packet from. The social activist said his volunteer had purchased the packet from outside a school located in Dadumajra three days ago.

Goswami claimed that drugs are easily available outside almost every school and at various joints in the city.

On being asked by the Chief Justice as to why the packet was not brought to the notice of the Chandigarh Police, Goswami submitted that not only the Chandigarh Police but even the Punjab Police officers were involved with drug peddlers and thus he had no confidence in reporting the issue to them.

Confirming Goswami’s claim, senior standing counsel for UT Administration, Advocate Anupam Gupta alleged a nexus between the Chandigarh Police officers and drug peddlers in the city, which, he added, is being investigated.

Terming the easy availability of drugs in the city as highly unfortunate, the Chief Justice asked the senior standing counsel not to protect the Chandigarh Police officers and ensure that it is stopped immediately.

“This is highly unfortunate, it is being done so blatantly,” remarked the Chief Justice.

Referring to the recent suspension of two Station House Officers (SHOs) and eight other Chandigarh Police officers for the alleged nexus with drug peddlers, Goswami questioned as to why an FIR has not been registered by the Chandigarh Police against the erring police officers.

“As per the NDPS Act, the offence is non-cognisable and an FIR should be registered. Nine months have passed but no FIR has been registered. My life is also under threat because of the revelations made by me against the Chandigarh Police,” said Goswami.

Anupam Gupta requested the court to ask Goswami to share the details with him and he (Gupta) will ensure that strict action is taken against the guilty. “I will meet the UT Administrator in this regard and will ensure that this nexus between the police and drug mafia is brought to an end,” assured Gupta.