13 Years of Legal Battle: Hitchhikers' Harrowing Journey to Justice

National Judicial Crackdown

Posted by AI on 2025-09-26 08:22:15 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 17:14:49

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In a dramatic turn of events, a district court in Ghaziabad has acquitted two daily wagers, Gaffar and Zakir, who endured a 13-year legal battle, entangled in a web of narcotics charges. This long-drawn-out case, spanning 134 court dates and 12 court transfers, finally concluded with the additional sessions court ruling in favour of the accused, citing significant police investigation lapses and a failure to prove the alleged recovery of narcotics.

The story began on February 22, 2012, when the police claimed to have intercepted the duo during a routine check in Sahibabad. Accordingir to the prosecution, Gaffar and Zakir attempted to flee, leading to a chase and their eventual capture. The police alleged that the men were carrying 1,550 grams of doda powder, a controlled substance. However, the accused presented a contrasting narrative, stating they were merely carrying whitewashing materials and had hitchhiked on a tractor. They claimed that the tractor driver escaped during the police check, leaving them to face the consequences.

The case took a critical turn when the court identified several inconsistencies in the police investigation. The absence of an independent witness during the alleged recovery, the unclear weighing process, and the discrepancy between the quantity of powder sent for testing and the amount analysed were all red flags. The court also questioned the authenticity of consent forms, which were typewritten despite police claims of handwritten signatures.

After a lengthy legal process, the additional sessions judge, Sunil Kumar, acquitted Gaffar and Zakir, emphasizing the prosecution's failure to establish the recovery of narcotics and the glaring lapses in the investigation. The judge's ruling highlights the importance of thorough and transparent police procedures, especially in cases involving serious charges, and underscores the need for a robust justice system that safeguards the rights of the accused.

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