Court orders property attachment in NDPS case; Forest land status halts execution

By TC News Desk

Agartala, 20^th September 2025:   The District Magistrate of Sepahijala district has received a court directive ordering the attachment of the residence of Shambhu Das, an accused sentenced to 10 years under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, along with a fine of Rs 52,000. However, the execution of the order has been stalled due to the property’s location within a reserve forest.

The court’s letter issued two months back instructed the District Magistrate to initiate proceedings against Das, a resident of Kali Tilla area in Rajiv Colony, Charilam under Bishalgarh police station. Following the directive, the District Magistrate tasked the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Bishalgarh with investigating the matter. The responsibility was subsequently handed to Deputy Collector and Magistrate (DCM) Prasenjit Das.

This afternoon, DCM Das visited the accused’s residence and spoke with Dipa Sutradhar, wife of Das’ younger brother. He learned that Shambhu Das was arrested at Ambassa with narcotics and has been incarcerated for the past seven months following his conviction under the NDPS Act. His wife Bunty Rani Das has since relocated to her paternal home in Nehal Chandranagar, Bishalgarh taking one child with her and leaving the other girl child in the care of her younger brother-in-law.

DCM Das expressed concern over the dilapidated condition of the house and the family’s financial hardship. Addressing the media from the site, he clarified that the property could not be attached or sold to recover the fine, as it lies within a reserve forest and lacks raiyati jot status. “Had it been a raiyati land, we could have auctioned it to recover the Rs 52,000,” he stated.

He emphasized the gravity of NDPS cases, noting that offenders face stringent consequences. “Once convicted under the NDPS Act, there is no escape. Upon completion of his sentence, Shambhu Das will be required to pay Rs 1 lakh to secure his release,” Das added.

In a related development, the DCM reported the recovery of Rs 50,000 from Babul Das of Ghaniamara in another NDPS case, which was submitted to the court. He confirmed that a detailed report on Shambhu Das’ case will be submitted to both the District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate.