J&K: Absconder held after 8 years in NDPS narcotics case
Synopsis
Eight years after going underground and two decades after the original FIR, accused Amjad Ali Naik from Shopian was finally arrested by J&K Crime Branch EOW Jammu in a long-dormant NDPS case — a reminder that the arm of the law, however slow, does eventually reach.
Key Takeaways
Amjad Ali Naik , resident of Ratnipora, District Shopian , arrested by Crime Branch EOW Jammu on 22 September 2026 .
44/2004 under Sections 8 and 20 of the NDPS Act — a case registered over 20 years ago .
Naik had been absconding since 2018 , evading judicial proceedings for nearly eight years .
Chargesheet had already been filed before the Court of the 2nd Additional Session Judge, Jammu .
SSP Faisal Qureshi warned other absconders to surrender or face further legal action.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police Crime Branch (EOW) Jammu on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, arrested a long-time absconder wanted in connection with a narcotics case registered over two decades ago, ending a prolonged evasion of the judicial process that had lasted nearly eight years. The arrest marks a significant enforcement step against individuals who have been evading court proceedings.
Identity of the Arrested Accused
The arrested individual has been identified as Amjad Ali Naik, son of Abdul Qadeer Naik, a resident of Ratnipora, District Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir. According to officials, Naik was wanted in connection with FIR No. 44/2004, registered under Sections 8 and 20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The original case dates back to 2004, and a chargesheet had already been submitted before the Court of the 2nd Additional Session Judge, Jammu.
How the Accused Evaded Authorities
Despite the chargesheet being placed before the court, Naik allegedly remained unavailable to law enforcement and had been absconding since 2018, effectively disrupting the ongoing judicial process for several years. His prolonged absence had kept the case in legal limbo. Notably, this pattern of accused persons evading trial for extended periods places significant strain on the judicial system and delays the delivery of justice.
The Arrest and Court Appearance
Acting on intelligence inputs, a dedicated team from the Crime Branch EOW Jammu successfully traced and apprehended Naik. Following his arrest, he was produced before the Court of the 2nd Additional Session Judge, Jammu for further proceedings in accordance with law. The operation reflects the branch's continued focus on locating and producing before courts those who have been evading legal processes.
Warning to Other Absconders
SSP Crime Branch EOW Jammu, Faisal Qureshi, issued a stern warning to other long-absconding accused to surrender voluntarily and cooperate with legal proceedings, cautioning that failure to do so could invite further action under the law. This signals an escalating push by the Crime Branch to clear a backlog of cases where accused individuals have been evading judicial scrutiny.
About Crime Branch EOW Jammu
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is a specialised unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Crime Branch, primarily tasked with investigating high-profile economic offences. Unlike the territorial police, which handles general law and order, the EOW operates as a dedicated full-time investigative body equipped with technological resources, making it a focused arm for handling complex cases that require sustained pursuit.
With Naik now in custody, the long-pending case is expected to move forward in court, offering a measure of progress in a matter that had remained stalled for nearly a decade.
Point of View
With a chargesheet already filed, should not take over two decades to reach its accused — the prolonged absconding reflects gaps in surveillance and inter-district coordination that go beyond any single case. The EOW's public warning to other absconders is a useful deterrent signal, but the real question is how many similarly dormant NDPS cases remain unresolved across the region, and whether the current enforcement push is sustained or episodic.
NationPress
22 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested by J&K Crime Branch in the narcotics case?
The arrested accused is Amjad Ali Naik , son of Abdul Qadeer Naik, a resident of Ratnipora, District Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir. He was apprehended by the Crime Branch EOW Jammu on 22 September 2026 in connection with FIR No. 44/2004 under the NDPS Act.
What charges does Amjad Ali Naik face?
Naik is wanted in connection with FIR No. 44/2004, registered under Sections 8 and 20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A chargesheet in the case had already been filed before the Court of the 2nd Additional Session Judge, Jammu.
How long had the accused been absconding?
According to the Crime Branch, Naik had been absconding since 2018 — a period of nearly eight years — thereby avoiding the ongoing judicial process. The original FIR dates back to 2004, making this a case that has spanned over two decades.
What happens next after the arrest?
Following his arrest, Naik was produced before the Court of the 2nd Additional Session Judge, Jammu, for further proceedings in accordance with law. The long-pending case is now expected to move forward in court.
What warning has the J&K Crime Branch issued to other absconders?
SSP Crime Branch EOW Jammu, Faisal Qureshi, issued a stern warning to all long-absconding accused to surrender voluntarily and cooperate with legal proceedings. He cautioned that failure to do so could result in further action under the law.
