Bijapur court jails two for 15 years in Chhattisgarh narcotics case
Synopsis
A Bijapur court has sentenced two men to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment each under the NDPS Act, following a November 2024 police operation that caught them transporting narcotic pills on a motorcycle. The conviction, built on airtight forensic and legal evidence, marks a notable success in Chhattisgarh's anti-narcotics drive.
Key Takeaways
Ravindra Punem and Anshu Gonet each sentenced to 15 years rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹1 lakh by a Bijapur court.
The duo was arrested on 9 November 2024 near Mahadev Ghat Mod , Bijapur, while transporting narcotic pills on a motorcycle.
Case registered under Section 21(c) of the NDPS Act , one of the Act's most stringent provisions for commercial-quantity drug trafficking.
The Kotwali Police Station led the investigation, following all technical and legal protocols to secure a conviction.
Bijapur Police has urged citizens to report narcotics activity and support those struggling with addiction.
A court in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, on Friday sentenced two drug traffickers to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment each, along with a fine of ₹1 lakh each, in a case stemming from a targeted police operation in November 2024. The verdict is being seen as a significant outcome of the Kotwali Police Station's sustained campaign against the illegal narcotics trade in the region.
Who Was Convicted
The convicted individuals, Ravindra Punem and Anshu Gonet, were apprehended on 9 November 2024 near Mahadev Ghat Mod in Bijapur during a targeted anti-narcotics drive by the Bijapur Police. The duo was caught illegally transporting a substantial quantity of prohibited narcotic pills on a motorcycle. Following their arrest, a case was registered under Section 21(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
How the Case Was Built
Investigators recovered the entire cache of drugs at the time of arrest, providing critical material evidence for the prosecution. The investigative team reportedly adhered strictly to all technical and legal protocols, ensuring that the evidence presented before the court was concrete and legally sound. This meticulous approach proved decisive in establishing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, ultimately leading to the substantial prison terms.
What the Court Said
The Bijapur court's judgment underscores the severity with which the Indian legal system treats narcotics offences under the NDPS Act. Section 21(c), invoked in this case, pertains to the possession and trafficking of controlled substances in commercial quantities — one of the more stringent provisions under the Act, carrying a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years. The 15-year sentence handed down reflects the gravity of the offence as determined by the court.
Police Appeal and Broader Context
Following the verdict, the Bijapur Police issued a public appeal urging citizens to stay vigilant, counsel those struggling with addiction, and report any suspected narcotics activity in their neighbourhoods. Authorities reiterated that drug abuse causes lasting harm not only to individuals and families but also results in severe legal consequences. This case is part of a broader, ongoing effort by Chhattisgarh Police to dismantle illicit drug networks operating across the state, particularly in districts bordering conflict-prone zones. The conviction sends a clear signal that enforcement agencies are prepared to pursue prosecutions to their conclusion.
Point of View
And securing a conviction under it requires watertight evidence. What this case also reveals is the persistent challenge of drug movement in Chhattisgarh's interior districts, where enforcement gaps have historically allowed trafficking networks to operate. A single conviction, however exemplary, is unlikely to deter organised supply chains unless accompanied by consistent, district-wide enforcement. The Bijapur Police's public appeal for community vigilance is a tacit acknowledgement that policing alone cannot solve the problem.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What sentence did the Bijapur court hand down in the narcotics case?
The court sentenced both Ravindra Punem and Anshu Gonet to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment each, along with a fine of ₹1 lakh each, under Section 21(c) of the NDPS Act.
When and where were the accused arrested?
The two accused were arrested on 9 November 2024 near Mahadev Ghat Mod in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, during a targeted anti-narcotics operation by the Bijapur Police.
What is Section 21(c) of the NDPS Act?
Section 21(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act deals with possession and trafficking of controlled substances in commercial quantities. It carries a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years, making it one of the most stringent provisions under Indian drug law.
How did the police secure the conviction?
The Kotwali Police Station investigators recovered the entire cache of narcotic pills at the time of arrest and adhered strictly to technical and legal protocols, ensuring the evidence presented in court was legally sound and indisputable.
What has the Bijapur Police urged citizens to do following the verdict?
The Bijapur Police has appealed to citizens to remain vigilant, report any illegal narcotics activity in their neighbourhoods, and support individuals struggling with addiction — emphasising that drug abuse leads to both personal devastation and severe legal consequences.
