The Special Judge, NDPS Court, Churachandpur on Monday sentenced a 60-year-old widow to four years' imprisonment in connection with the possession of heroin worth Rs 12,90,000 in 2017.
The convict has been identified as Lalchaamrem, 60 years, wife of (L) Lalthanlian of Khumujamba Leikai, Churachandpur district. She was convicted under section 21(b) NDPS Act. She was charged with u/s 21(b)/29 r.w sec. 8(c) of NDPS Act.
There were five accused involved in the case, but the accused namely, Robert Singson Tombing and Siamdinglian were discharged from the criminal proceedings on November 11, 2020 as there was no material evidence against them.
It may be noted that the punishment provided in section 21(b) NDPS Act is rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years, and with a fine which may extend to one lakh rupees.
During the hearing, Lalchaamrem’s counsel pleaded to the court to show leniency citing that it was the first offence committed by the convict and the fact that she is a widow. Besides being an aged woman, the counsel said Lalchaamrem had undergone ovaries surgery.
The court after considering the submission sentenced to imprisonment for the period of 4 (four) years while the time period where the convict had already been in custody is set off with the same.
In addition, the court directed the convict to pay a fine of Rs. 25,000/- (Twenty five thousand rupees only) within two months on the failure of which the convict should undergo simple imprisonment for a period of two more months.
