Delhi court sentences two Afghan nationals to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment in NDPS case
New Delhi (PTI): A Delhi court sentenced two Afghan nationals to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for trafficking a commercial quantity of heroin and also imposed fines totalling Rs 3 lakh on each of them.
Special Judge Manu Goel Kharb was hearing the arguments on sentence against Abdul Khaliq Noorzai and Ghulam Hazrat Mirzale, who were convicted under Sections 21(c) (possession, dealing with manufactured drugs), 23(c) (illegal import or export) and 29 (abetment and criminal conspiracy) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS).
In an order dated February 7, the court said, "Considering the above facts coupled with fact that both of them also have their families to maintain, the convicts Abdul Khaliq Noorzai and Ghulam Hazrat Mirzale are sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 10 years and pay fine of Rs 1 lakh for the commission of offence under Section 21 (c) of the NDPS Act."
The court also awarded identical sentences under Section 23(c) and Section 29 of the NDPS Act, along with three years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh each.
The court directed that all sentences would run concurrently.
According to the prosecution, Noorzai was found in possession of 4.02 kg of heroin, while Mirzale was carrying 3.60 kg of the contraband. A total of 7.62 kg of heroin was recovered, which was concealed in plastic bottles.
The two were arrested after their baggage was screened and checked out of suspicion on their arrival at the Delhi airport from Dubai on August 8, 2021.
A detailed examination of their trolley bags led to the recovery of shampoo and hair colour bottles containing a black-coloured liquid that later tested positive for heroin.
Seeking 20 years of imprisonment for both the accused, the special public prosecutor, who was representing the Customs, argued that both accused were involved in a serious case of drug trafficking and did not deserve any leniency.
The court said that both convicts were first-time offenders and had no previous involvement in any criminal cases.
"Both convicts, Abdul Khaliq and Ghulam Hazrat, are first-time offenders and have not been previously involved in any other case of the NDPS Act or the IPC. Their conduct inside the jail is also found satisfactory," the judge said.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
