Delhi HC Seeks Centre’s Response on Missing 70,772.48 kg Heroin, Citing Data Discrepancy. Petitioner Claims Rs 5 Lakh Crore Value, Raising National Security Concerns. Calls for Immediate Investigation; Next Hearing on September 9.
The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to provide its stance on a plea alleging the disappearance of 70,772.48 kg of heroin from seizure records between 2018 and 2020. Justice Subramonium Prasad issued a notice in response to a petition filed by journalist B R Aravindakshan, requesting the Centre to respond within four weeks.
The petitioner claims there is a significant discrepancy between the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report and the data released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding drug seizures in the country during this period.
According to the court order issued on Wednesday, the petitioner states, “Cumulatively, 70,772.48 kg of heroin has disappeared from seizure records between 2018 and 2020. Issue notice. Let replies be filed within four weeks.”
The petitioner argues that the alarming disappearance of over 70,000 kg of heroin, valued at approximately Rs 5 lakh crore in the international market, raises concerns about national security, social stability, and economic repercussions.
The plea highlights that the magnitude of the discrepancy is so large that if not addressed promptly, it could lead to societal chaos, yet no action has been taken on the issue.
“On September 12, 2022, the petitioner filed a complaint with the MHA, highlighting the mismatch of data provided by the NCRB and the data given by Hon’ble Nityanand Rai, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs, concerning heroin seizures between 2018 and 2020.
“The petitioner emphasized that 70,772.54 kg of heroin worth Rs 5 lakh crore seized in India has gone missing, urging the ministry to order an immediate investigation for the country’s safety and welfare,” the petition states.
The petitioner has sought several directives regarding the alleged discrepancy, including an investigation by the MHA within a specified timeframe.
The matter is scheduled to be heard next on September 9.
