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Planning to get married in Goa? www.weddingsetcgoa.com Making your 'dream wedding' possible ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- Samir Umarye BICHOLIM OCT 17: Special NDPS Court Judge at Mapusa, Ms Bimba Thaly on Friday acquitted one Sakharam Gawas, a resident of Sanquelim who was arrested by the police and charged for being in illegal possession of 85 grams of Alprazolam worth around Rs 1,70,000. According to the prosecution, the Anti-Narcotics Cell led by Panaji police sub-inspector, Mr Punaji Gauns alongwith two panchas conducted a raid on October 20, 2005 at 7.40 p.m. at Karaswada junction and caught red-handed the accused being in illegal possession of Alprazolam drug which was later attached under panchanama alongwith his motorcycle and a leather wallet. The prosecution examined in all seven witnesses to prove the case. The accused denied the charge and did not lead any evidence in defence. Mr Gopal Kanekar appearing on behalf of the accused pointed out to various flaws and contradiction in the prosecution witnesses. He also pointed out that the seal and the drugs were in the custody of the concerned officer and therefore there was a possibility of the concerned officer tampering with the seal. He relied upon the decision of the Supreme Court contending that in the absence of evidence that the contraband was sealed and kept in proper custody in police station, the conviction is not sustainable. The court acquitted the accused giving him the benefit of doubt. The state was represented by public prosecutor, Mr S Monteiro. The case was investigated by police sub-inspector, Mr Punaji Gauns.(NT)
