Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal
Bhopal, Mar 9: In a landmark verdict, a special court in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch has sentenced notorious smuggler Babu Sindhi and two of his associates to 15 years in prison in connection with the massive seizure of 25,000 kg of narcotics.
The judgment, delivered by special judge NDPS Act Jitendra Kumar Bajolia on Saturday evening, also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lac on each convict. However, five other accused walked free due to lack of evidence.
The case, which spanned Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, had drawn intense scrutiny since the Central Narcotics Bureau (CBN) raided a warehouse in Neemuch’s industrial area on August 27, 2021, uncovering the vast smuggling network.
Babu Sindhi, alias Jaikumar, was exposed as the mastermind, running an elaborate operation that posed as a legal poppy seed trade. Authorities revealed that he made Rs 30 to 40 lac daily from the narcotics business, laundering the proceeds into real estate.
Following his arrest, the CBN filed a detailed 1,650-page charge sheet, leading to the conviction of Sindhi, Rajendra Sharma, and Anurag Airan. Those acquitted included former police constable Pankaj Kumawat, who was dismissed from service but later cleared of charges.
Meanwhile, two accused Vinod Gurjar and Shivcharan Gurjar remain absconding.
Adding to Sindhi’s notoriety, he had secured parole through a fraudulent medical certificate but used his temporary release to orchestrate a violent attack on social worker Ashok Arora. His parole was later revoked, and now he faces the full weight of the law.
The high-profile case has finally concluded, sealing the fate of the kingpin and exposing the sprawling drug syndicate.