NT Reporter
Panaji
The District and Sessions Court at Merces has rejected the bail plea of Moheddin Husen Patevegar, accused in a drugs case, observing that he failed to furnish identity proof to establish his permanent address, raising concerns that he may abscond.
Mandrem police arrested Patevegar on January 25 at Morjim. Police said he was found in illegal possession of 4.722 kg of greenish flowering and fruiting tops suspected to be ganja, valued at Rs 4.72 lakh.
In an order passed earlier this week, Sessions Judge Irshad Agha observed, “The applicant is a non-Goan. This fact cannot be considered at the time of deciding the application for bail. However, in the present case the applicant has not furnished any identity proof to locate his permanent address. The address given by the applicant is also not complete. Under this fact, there is a fear that the applicant may run away and not be available.”
The court observed that the case is at a very initial stage and that it is for the court to exercise its discretion. It said the rigours of Section 37 of the NDPS Act would apply when the quantity involved is commercial. The offence is non-bailable and serious in nature, as 4 kg of ganja was allegedly found, the court observed.
