Seizure of betel leaves: Court reserves order
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 18 2020:
The Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West today fixed April 20 for announcement of order on the Zimas filed in connection with seizure of a huge quan-tity of betel leaves from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport and police prayer for disposal of the seized betel leaves.
The order was reserved after hearing the Zima petitioners' counsels and APP of the State for two days since yesterday.
Notably, Imphal West Food Safety officials submitted a report to the Court yesterday which said that the seized betel leaves kept at Singjamei police station is not fit for human consumption and the huge consignment of betel leaves was brought into the State by violating the Food Safety and Security Act without obtaining required certificate from FSSAI.
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During the hearing today, the IO of the case filed an application for passing an order for disposal of the betel leaves seized on April 5 from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport.
The police prayer mentioned that during the course of investigation, a requisition was made to Managers of Indigo Airline, Air Asia and Spice Jet stationed at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport on April 7 to establish the real owner(s) of the seized betel leaves.
In the meantime, three Zimas were filed before the Court for releasing the betel leaves.
The Zimas were filed by Thingujam Kamo (48) s/o Tomba of Yumnam Huidrom, Thingujam Leikai, Bhola Shah Kumar (45) s/o Budan Shah Kumar of Jion Street Lamka Churachandpur and Maisnam Joyshree (40) d/o Dhaja of Chingamakha Maisnam Leikai.
The IO further said that the total number of seized betel leaves in the present case is 267 packets and 4 loose packets and the real owner of the seized betel items has not yet been identified till date.