They have learnt their lesson, don't deny bail: Aryan's lawyer

Mumbai: Aryan Khan’s lead counsel Amit Desai said on Wednesday that Section 27A is the only offence for illicit trafficking under the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), and NCB rightly never invoked it against Aryan as it has no case.

- Swati Deshpande

Aryan was arrested only for alleged consumption of small quantities, with no recovery of drugs or money from him and hence no case of use, sale or purchase of any drugs, and he was not arrested even for abetment or conspiracy, Desai said. He added that even consumption there is no proof of, as it was his friend Arbaaz Merchant who in the NCB panchanama of October 2 is recorded as speaking of having consumed charas.

Opposing the bail pleas of Khan, Arbaaz and Munmun Dhamecha, the NCB said, “There is sufficient material in the form of WhatsApp chats, pictures, etc to show Aryan was an active part of illicit drug chain with other coaccused, hence abetment and conspiracy apply and so do the rigours of not granting bail under NDPS Act.” ASG Anil Singh, with Advait Sethna, special public prosecutor for the agency, said, “NCB has material to show Khan was in touch with some persons abroad who appear to be a part of an international drug network for illicit procurement of drugs, and investigation is on to find the person.”