Dr.Thomas (Sub-Editor)
In a highly publicized drug case that captured the nation’s attention,the Central Crime Branch (CCB) recently faced a significant setback.
The case,which involved kannada film stars and was heavily covered by the media,saw a dramatic twist when the High Court quashed the charges against the prime accused and two other individuals.
The CCB had initially arrested several celebrities, alleging their involvement in a drug trafficking ring.
The arrests led to widespread speculation and intense scrutiny,with the public and media eagerly following every development.
The authorities claimed to have substantial evidence linking the accused to the drug trade,portraying it as a major victory in their fight against narcotics.
However,the defense lawyers for the accused challenged the legality and validity of the evidence presented by the CCB.
They argued that the arrests were based on flimsy grounds and that the investigation was marred by procedural lapses and a lack of credible proof.
They also highlighted the sensationalism surrounding the case,suggesting that the CCB’s actions were influenced more by the desire for publicity than by solid investigative work.
After a thorough review,the High Court found merit in the defense’s arguments.The judges criticized the CCB for what they described as a “hasty and careless” investigation.
They pointed out several inconsistencies in the evidence and procedural errors that undermined the case against the accused.
In a scathing judgment,the court emphasized the importance of due process and the need for law enforcement agencies to adhere strictly to legal standards.
The court’s decision to quash the charges has led to a significant backlash against the CCB.
Critics have accused the agency of mishandling the case and damaging the reputations of the accused without sufficient cause.
The case has also sparked a broader debate about the role of media in high-profile investigations and the potential for bias and sensationalism to influence judicial processes.
For the film stars involved,the court’s ruling comes as a major relief, though their reputations have already suffered considerable damage.
They have expressed their gratitude to the judiciary for upholding justice and have called for reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The CCB,on the other hand,is facing calls for accountability and reform.There are demands for an internal review of the investigation to understand what went wrong and to ensure that such high-profile cases are handled with the utmost care and professionalism in the future.
The case serves as a reminder of the critical balance between law enforcement,media coverage,and judicial integrity.
Quashing of the proceedings came as a big relief not only to the prime accused Shivaprakash Chippi,but also may provide respite to the other accused based on the merits of the charges .
The High Court has also quashed FIRs against actress Sanjana Galrani and Adithya Agarwal who were also accused in the case that made headlines in the state in September 2020.
The order was passed on March 25,2024 after marathon arguments that started in 2021 and the court copies were received recently by the petitioners.
This case grabbed the headlines due to the naming of prominent celebrities including businessmen.
The FIR was registered in the Cottonpet Police Station in September 2020 based on a suo motu complaint by KC Goutham,Assistant Commissioner of Police, Anti-Narcotics Wing,Central Crime Branch who claimed to have possessed information based on statement of B.K.Ravishankar,regarding consumption of narcotics in parties organized in various hotels and other places visited by celebrities,techies and others and that he has discovered certain names of individuals and other information.
The police filed a case under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act after questioning Mr.BK Ravishankar who is accused No.16.
Over 27 people were named as accused in charge sheet, while FIR was registered against 12 people. Realtor Shivaprakash was named as accused No.1.
Contesting all the charges against him, businessman Shivaprakash successfully secured anticipatory bail from the Supreme Court.
Arguments in the High Court for Shivaprakash were addressed by advocate,Amar Correa,who highlighted that the registration of the FIR itself,against Shivaprakash,was illegal and flawed, as the complaint had not disclosed any allegations against Shivaprakash and also subsequent filing of charge-sheet in the 18th Additional City Civil and Sessions court dealing NDPS cases, was illegal.
Mr.Correa argued that accused Ravishankar has not named Shivaprakash in his statement to the police and so the proceedings stood vitiated against him.
Even in the charge sheet,there was absolutely no material proof and no seizure of narcotic substances.
He further argued that his client was not subjected to chemical analysis despite cooperation.
Apart from Shivaprakash Chippi,who is a film producer and businessman the proceedings have also been quashed for Sanjana Galrani,kannada film star and Adtiya Mohan Agarwal who are A14 and A22 in the case.
Meanwhile the CCB officials are in consultation with the legal cell to challenge the order .
Welcoming the judgement,Mr.Correa said “Offences related to narcotic drugs are serious in nature.
The investigating agency cannot have a callous approach either while registering FIR and taking up investigation or even later, while conducting investigation.
They have no unbridled powers.The innocent essentially need to be kept out and the real perpetrators deserve a purposeful prosecution”.