An Indian court in Jharkhand delivered a surprising verdict after a strange claim by police shocked the courtroom. The case involved a large drug seizure that vanished before trial. Officials said nearly two hundred kilograms of seized cannabis were eaten by rats while stored in a government warehouse without proper security or checks at all.
Drug Seizure From Highway Stop
In 2022, police stopped a vehicle on a national highway and claimed drugs were hidden inside it. The cannabis was said to be worth about three crore Pakistani rupees, making it a major case. The accused was arrested, and officers recorded the seizure during the operation as part of routine procedure.
Rats Blamed During Court Trial
During the trial, police told the court they could not present the drugs as evidence. They explained that rats had eaten the entire stock while it was kept in storage. This statement surprised the judge and raised questions about how such valuable evidence could disappear so easily under official watch, care, and basic security rules.
Judge Criticizes Police Negligence
The judge firmly rejected the police explanation and criticized their handling of the case. The court said this excuse showed serious negligence and poor procedure. Proper evidence care is a basic duty of law officers, and failure to protect seized items damages public trust in the justice system deeply and harms future investigations and credibility.
Contradictions in Police Statements
The court also noted many contradictions in police witness statements. There were unclear details about where the vehicle was stopped, the exact time, and who arrested the accused. The judge questioned how alleged accomplices escaped from a busy highway area without being seen or caught by officers despite traffic, nearby homes, and public presence around.
No Independent Witnesses Present
Another key issue was the lack of independent civilian witnesses. Despite the large recovery claim near homes and shops, no local person was involved. Courts often expect neutral witnesses in serious cases, and their absence weakens the prosecution’s claims and creates doubt about the truth of the official version presented to the court during trial.
Accused Finally Acquitted
Finally, the court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond doubt. With no physical evidence and a broken custody chain, the benefit of the doubt went to the accused. The man was acquitted, reminding authorities that justice depends on careful work, honesty, and respect for procedure in every case, big or small alike.
