Mangaluru, Jan 24, 2023: Vice President of Mangaluru Bar Association Manoraj Rajeeva has come down heavily on the manner in which the investigation agencies are probing the drugs cases in which some doctors and medical students of private medical collages have been arrested.
Speaking to reporters here on January 24, Tuesday, he while making it clear that he was not in favour of drug peddlers or consumers, at the same time questioned whether the law enforcing agencies have probed the case in a fair manner.
It is good to know that the investigating agencies are taking tough action against drugs trafficking. But we are talking about those who consume drugs, he said adding as per the Section 64A of the NDPS Act of 1985 those who have consumed drugs have exemption from legal action and there was no need to send them to judicial custody if they are willing to go to rehabilitation centres. He questioned why the Police Department has not taken step in this direction.
He also resented the police department action of providing the photographs of the accused to the media. He said such acts not only affect the families of the accused, but also Brand Mangaluru and also the image of the medical education institutions.
He demanded that the case be probed by the High Court or central agencies like CBI. He also said High Court would be approached in this case.
Professor and forensic expert Dr Mahabalesh Shetty said though screen tests are positive that does not confirm drug consumption, Samples have to be confirmed by sending them to FSL and CFL tests within 24 hours, sometimes even passive smoking gives positive results, he pointed out.