Hisar 2024 drugs seizure case: HC hands over probe to CBI

Hisar 2024 drugs seizure case: HC hands over probe to CBI

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has transferred the investigation of the 2024 Hisar drug seizure case to the Central Bureau of Investigation, following a plea filed by Kusum Rani, the wife of the accused Lovkesh Kumar.

The case stems from an alleged seizure of 900 tablets of Diphenoxylate Hydrochloride and Atropine Sulphate, both classified as controlled substances, by local police. Police had claimed that Lovkesh Kumar was caught in possession of the tablets during a routine check in Hisar earlier this year. The High Court’s order means the CBI will now lead the inquiry, taking over from the state police.

Kusum Rani approached the court seeking a CBI probe, asserting that the initial investigation lacked transparency and that she feared a miscarriage of justice. The court examined the plea and, after reviewing the circumstances, directed the CBI to assume control of the matter. The order was passed without any oral arguments being recorded in the public record, but the bench noted that the request was maintainable under existing legal provisions.

The High Court’s decision reflects a broader trend of judicial scrutiny over drug‑related offences in the region. Over the past few years, several high‑profile seizures have been reported in Hisar and surrounding districts, prompting authorities to examine the efficacy of local enforcement mechanisms. The case reflects the growing attention given to controlled substance offences in the district, where law enforcement agencies have increasingly intercepted sizable quantities of drugs.

The CBI, known for its experience in handling complex criminal cases, will now examine the chain of custody of the seized tablets, verify the circumstances of the arrest, and determine whether any larger network was involved. The agency’s involvement may also shed light on any alleged procedural lapses, such as delays in reporting the seizure or irregularities in the handling of evidence.

Legal experts say that the High Court’s order does not constitute a finding of guilt or innocence; rather, it is a procedural step that ensures the investigation proceeds without bias. The court emphasized that the CBI will operate under the same legal framework that governs all criminal probes, and that its findings will be submitted to the appropriate judicial forum.

Authorities in Hisar have not commented publicly on the specifics of the case beyond confirming the seizure of the tablets and the ongoing legal process. The police officer who made the initial arrest stated that the operation was carried out in accordance with standard protocols, but declined to provide further details pending the CBI’s review.

The case is likely to attract attention from legal circles, drug‑control agencies, and the public given the large quantity of controlled substances involved. The High Court’s directive underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring that investigations into serious crimes are conducted impartially and thoroughly.

As the CBI takes over, the next steps will include filing a formal charge sheet, possibly presenting the seized tablets as evidence, and examining any connections between the accused and broader drug trafficking activities. The outcome of the probe may influence future law‑enforcement strategies in the region.

The transfer of the case to the CBI marks a significant development in the 2024 Hisar drug seizure matter, highlighting the judiciary’s commitment to upholding due process while addressing the challenges posed by illicit drug trade.

Source: Hindustan Times