The Additional Sessions Court has acquitted Yashpal Nanakchand Chauhan (36), a resident of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, in a case of possession and transport of 50.77 kg of ganja. The court found serious gaps in the prosecution’s evidence and said the case raised reasonable doubt about the recovery of the drugs from the accused. According to the prosecution, on February 18, 2024, Crime Branch received information about the interstate smuggling of ganja in a Toyota car (HR-26/AX-0127). Acting on the tip-off, a police team intercepted the vehicle near Narayana School on Wardha Road. Police claimed to have seized 50.770 kg of ganja from the car.

 

Chauhan and a juvenile accused were found in the vehicle. Another accused, who was allegedly supposed to receive the consignment, was absconding. Beltarodi Police registered a case under Sections 8(c), 20(b)(ii) and 29 of the NDPS Act. During the trial, the prosecution relied on the statements of six witnesses, seizure records and a Chemical Analyser’s report confirming that the seized substance was ganja. The prosecution argued that the evidence established the charges against Chauhan. However, defence counsel Adv Atul Rawlani pointed out inconsistencies in the police records. He argued that the prosecution had failed to prove the recovery and conscious possession of the contraband. He also highlighted discrepancies in the dates and timings recorded in the seizure panchnama. The court found discrepancies in the dates and timings recorded in the seizure panchnama. The informant admitted errors, while two panch witnesses and security guard failed to support the prosecution. The court acquitted Chauhan. Adv Atul Rawlani appeared for Chauhan.