CHENNAI: An important narcotics case here fell apart after the prosecution submitted a key witness’s statement only in Hindi-without any Tamil or English translation-leaving the court unable to understand its contents. The city court acquitted the accused, Nag Narayan Prasad from Kolkata, citing a lack of admissible evidence. Besides, there were a host of other lapses in the case.The accused was arrested in connection with the seizure of 4.6 kg of hashish hidden inside 38 woollen sheep-like toys in a courier parcel intercepted in Ekkatuthangal near Chennai in March 2021. The parcel, booked under a Bengal sender’s name, was flagged as suspicious during X-ray screening. NCB officers confirmed the contraband using field test kits and collected samples before launching the investigation.Prasad was arrested on the basis of statements from two individuals- Ranjith Singh, a courier operator in Chennai, and U Ismail of Dil Express-who allegedly linked him to the consignment. However, Singh’s statement, filed only in Hindi, had no translated version annexed. The judge, S Govindharajan, noted this made it impossible “to come to the conclusion whether there is something available against the accused”. Crucially, neither Singh nor Ismail was examined. The court also found that no contraband was recovered from Prasad, and his name appeared in no bill or document. The prosecution relied heavily on a photograph-based identification without conducting an identification parade. CCTV images where the accused stayed were submitted without the mandatory digital certification. The hotel manager was not examined.
