IMPHAL, April 5: The Special Court (ND&PS), Manipur, has rejected the bail applications of three individuals arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and directed the Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, to submit a report regarding an allegation of custodial violence involving one of the accused.

The accused, Mr. K.P. Jacob (31), Mr. M. Joshou (37), and Mrs. J. Vasti (34), were produced before the Court after being in police custody since March 26, 2025, in connection with FIR No. 23(3)2025 registered at Sekmai Police Station under Sections 21(c), 29, and 60(3) of the NDPS Act. The Investigating Officer (IO) sought an extension of police custody for four more days.

Advocates Ch. Victor and S. Pfokrelo, representing Mr. Jacob, argued that their client was denied access to legal counsel during custody and was not provided with the written grounds of arrest, which they claimed violated the Supreme Court’s guidelines in the case of Prabir Purkayastha v. State (NCT of Delhi). They also alleged that Mr. Jacob had been subjected to custodial violence. The Court took note of visible swelling on his left foot during the hearing.

Advocate R.S. Livingstone, appearing for Mrs. Vasti, sought bail citing her health condition and her status as a woman. Medical documents supporting the plea were placed before the Court.

While the Court acknowledged the documentation regarding the intimation to family members at the time of arrest and presumed the regularity of the official procedure, it did not dismiss the custodial violence allegation. The defence was allowed to file a formal application regarding the issue, and a copy of the order has been forwarded to the SP, Imphal West, for appropriate action.

According to the prosecution, Mr. Jacob was intercepted on March 25 while driving a Mahindra Bolero near the Sekmai Police Station gate. The vehicle allegedly contained 461 soap cases filled with 5.498 kg of heroin concealed in a modified roof. Mr. Joshou and Mrs. Vasti, who were travelling in a Tata Harrier, were allegedly part of the same drug operation. A second Bolero was later recovered, reportedly containing 419 soap cases filled with 5.067 kg of heroin.

Considering the commercial quantity of the contraband involved and the preliminary stage of investigation, the Court denied bail under Section 37 of the NDPS Act and remanded the three accused to police custody until April 7, 2025.