Don't take coercive steps against Navdeep: Telangana HC

 Hyderabad: In a relief to film actor Navdeep, the Telangana High Court on Wednesday directed the Hyderabad Police to not take coercive steps against him in the ongoing drugs case, which was registered by the Gudimalkapur police, recently, after nabbing the three Nigerians who peddled the drugs.

The Court directed the investigation team, if they want to examine or inquiry the film actor then the police have to follow the procedure laid down under section 41A of the CrPC. Police can question him or inquire him, but he shall not be arrested.

Justice K. Surender was dealing with the anticipatory bail application filed by Navdeep, who filed the application anticipating his arrest, after the police announced in the media that Navdeep is absconding and they couldn’t catch him.

Counsel for Navdeep brought to the notice of the court that the remand report in regard to other accused in the case, clearly shows that Navdeep is only the suspect of consuming the drugs and not a peddler. Highlighting this, the counsel argued that the consumer of drugs has some immunity and requested to pass appropriate orders.

Sudarshan Sara, additional public prosecutor refuted the request and brought to the notice of the court that Navdeep was also earlier examined in a Tollywood drug case and he was a habitual offender. Without knowing the details, one cannot confirm that Navdeep is only a consumer. Sudarshan argued that the accused Navdeep’s interrogation may reveal many things.

Hearing the contentions of both sides, the Judge issued orders to follow the procedure laid down under section 41A of the CrPC. Meanwhile, police on Wednesday evening has issued 41A notices to Navdeep to appear before them regarding inquiry into the drugs case.