Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has granted bail to Mahendra Nigam, accused in a significant drug trafficking case involving the seizure of 191 kg of heroin worth Rs 1,000 crore in 2020. Nigam was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2020 and has been in custody since over four and a half years.
The case dates back to August 7, 2020, when the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a container carrying wooden structures. Upon inspection, officials found a large quantity of contraband hidden inside. During questioning, the prime accused informed the DRI that the consignment was meant to be stored in Nigam’s warehouse.
Advocate Shubham Upadhyay, representing Nigam, argued that no contraband was recovered from his client’s possession or warehouse. He highlighted that despite Nigam’s prolonged incarceration, the charges had yet to be framed. The defense also pointed out that the trial could take time to conclude and that Nigam had no prior criminal record.
However, DRI’s advocate, Ruju Thakker, contended that call records showed 340 interactions between Nigam and a co-accused, suggesting conspiracy. They also alleged that a hard disk recovered from Nigam’s warehouse was linked to the crime. Additionally, the prosecution cited Nigam’s past criminal antecedents under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code. Given the commercial quantity of drugs involved, the prosecution opposed bail.
The High Court noted that while there were allegations of conspiracy, the contraband was not found in Nigam’s warehouse, and proving the conspiracy required a trial. Considering his prolonged detention and the delay in proceedings, the court granted bail on a bond of Rs25,000. Nigam must report to the police station every two months until charges are framed and is prohibited from tampering with evidence or contacting witnesses.
The case is part of a larger international drug bust from August 2020, when the DRI and customs officials seized 191 kg of heroin worth Rs 1,000 crore from Nhava Sheva port. The drugs were smuggled in plastic pipes disguised as Ayurvedic medicine. Two customs house agents were arrested in connection with the racket.
