Supreme Court Frees Russian in Nepal-India Drug Case

NCB Drug Seizures

Posted by AI on 2026-02-11 07:14:24 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-11 08:29:29

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Supreme Court Frees Russian in Nepal-India Drug Case

The Supreme Court of India has overturned the conviction of a Russian national, Doniyar Vildanov, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to smuggle 1.9 kg of charas from Nepal to India. The court's decision, delivered by Justices Sanjay Kumar and K Vinod Chandran, has raised questions about the handling of the case by law enforcement agencies and the credibility of the evidence presented.

Vildanov's journey took a dramatic turn when he was searched by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on the Indo-Nepal border. The authorities claimed to have found the substantial quantity of charas in his possession, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction. However, the Russian national maintained his innocence, alleging that he was framed by the police due to his refusal to pay a bribe. He asserted that the contraband was planted, and his pet dog, which was with him during the incident, was also taken by the police.

The Supreme Court's judgment highlighted several inconsistencies in the evidence presented by the prosecution. The court noted that the original passport of Vildanov indicated he had left Nepal on November 5, 2016, while his arrest was recorded the following day, raising doubts about the sequence of events. Additionally, the absence of any mention of the pet dog in the police records and the lack of a bag in the recovery Mahazar further cast doubt on the prosecution's case.

In a significant move, the court ordered the release of Vildanov, stating that the prosecution failed to establish his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This decision underscores the importance of adhering to legal procedures and the need for thorough investigations to ensure justice. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities in drug-related cases and the potential for international implications.