NCB not in favour of bail pleas, says ‘If the the applicants are released, it will obstruct the probe’

Today, the HC will be hearing Rhea and Showik’s bail pleas along with three other bail pleas which were adjourned till 29th September.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), opposing the bail pleas of Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik, mentioned to the Bombay High Court that the siblings are “active members of drug syndicate connected with high society personalities and drug suppliers”, as per the reports of the Indian Express.

NCB submitted an affidavit on Monday, which was in against of the bail pleas and said the applicants had “abetted and financed’ drug transactions and therefore Section 27A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which provides punishment for financing drug trafficking and harbouring offenders, was applicable in the case.”

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On 24th September, a single judge bench of Justice Sarang V Kotwal had asked the agency to respond to the bail pleas to which the zonal director of NCB, Sameer Wankhede, on Monday submitted two separate affidavits. It stated, “Electronic evidence such as WhatsApp chats, records were retrieved from mobile, laptop and hard-disk and it indicated payment made for drugs. Thus, there is ample evidence to show present applicant Rhea has not only regularly dealt with but also financed illicit trafficking of drugs.”

NCB in it’s other affidavit submitted that Rhea was aware of the fact that Sushant was engaged in consumption of narcotics, had nurtured and obscured him. “This would tantamount to harbouring. Rhea also allowed her residence for drug storage and consumption by Rajput,” NCB said.

The affidavit further added, “It is clear from the statements and electronic evidence gathered by NCB that applicant is an active member of the drug syndicate connected with high society personalities and drug suppliers. There is sufficient evidence that she is involved in drug trafficking. The applicant used to facilitate drug deliveries and payment through credit cards/cash/payment gateways for the contraband.” NCB made similar submissions against Showik and said he was also part of the “syndicate”.

The agency explained that at the moment the investigation is at a very crucial stage, if the applicants are released on bail, it will obstruct the probe. The High Court will hear Rhea and Showik’s bail pleas along with three other bail pleas by Miranda, Parihar and Sawant starting on Tuesday, 29th September.