NDPS Court Rejects Bail for Naigaon Resident in 6 kg Airport Cocaine Case
A special NDPS court has rejected the bail application of 33-year-old Naigaon resident Pooja Lal, who was allegedly intercepted at Mumbai’s international airport last year while attempting to transport over six kilograms of cocaine hidden inside packets of chocolates and cookies.
Lal had approached the court seeking relief primarily on humanitarian grounds, arguing that her seven-month-old daughter required constant maternal care. The defense submitted that the child was born prematurely and currently suffers from respiratory distress, making the mother's presence essential for her health and well-being.
In addition to the medical grounds regarding her infant, Lal’s lawyer contended before the court that there was no concrete evidence to establish that the accused was aware that the chocolate and cookie packets she was carrying contained the illicit contraband.
Opposing the relief sought by the accused, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) prosecutor Vibhavari Pathak strongly contested the bail application. The prosecution informed the court that Lal had allegedly admitted to being involved in drug smuggling operations on previous occasions as well.
The prosecution further highlighted that Lal had already been granted interim bail earlier this year in April. Prosecutor Pathak pointed out that the defense had failed to submit any official medical opinion certifying that the mother's continuous physical presence was indispensable for the care and recovery of the infant.
Addressing arguments regarding child healthcare, the prosecutor assured the court that adequate medical facilities and necessary care for female inmates and their infants are available at Byculla Women’s Jail.
While rejecting the bail plea, the special NDPS court concurred with the prosecution's arguments and observed that there was an absence of sufficient medical evidence to demonstrate exceptional circumstances that would justify granting bail to the accused in the case.
