Punjab and Haryana High Court: Custodial interrogation must in illicit liquor case

Chandigarh, August 25

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that custodial interrogation of an accused in illicit liquor case was essential to bust the racket. “The alleged modus operandi adopted by the accused needs to be unearthed,” the Bench said.

WHY IT MATTERS

Considering the totality of circumstances, the role of petitioner, which surfaced during preliminary investigation, coupled with his antecedents, this court opines that custodial interrogation of the petitioner is essential to take the probe to its logical conclusion so as to bust the entire illicit liquor racket. — Justice Arun Monga, Punjab and Haryana High Court

The assertion by Justice Arun Monga came on a plea by Jasbir Singh against Haryana. He was seeking anticipatory bail in a case registered at Bond Kalan police station in Charkhi Dadri on June 14 for criminal conspiracy, rash driving and other offences under Sections 120B, 279, and 336 IPC and provisions of the Punjab Excise Act.

It was stated in the FIR that a tip-off was received on February 6 by the police about transportation of “huge quantity” of liquor in a vehicle from Panipat to Dadri and two persons were escorting in a car.

Barricades were erected en route and on noticing the approaching car, the police signalled it to stop, but the driver, after trying to run the car over the cops, managed to flee. However, the other vehicle was stopped and countrymade liquor seized. During interrogation, two accused disclosed that they were working for the petitioner. Opposing the bail plea, the state counsel said the probe revealed that the petitioner was the “kingpin” of the illegal trade. — TNS