In a rather intriguing case, former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sanjiv Bhatt has been sentenced to 20 years in jail for his involvement in a 1996 drug planting conspiracy.The Incident In 1996, Sanjiv Bhatt, who was serving as the Banaskantha Superintendent of Police in Gujarat, falsely implicated a Rajasthan-based lawyer.Bhatt claimed that the police had seized drugs from the lawyer’s hotel room in Palanpur, Gujarat.
The Charges Bhatt was found guilty of misusing his “office and power” by planting drugs to frame the lawyer.The court convicted him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Specifically, he was sentenced under sections 21© (punishment for contravention in relation to manufactured drugs and preparations involving commercial quantity) 27A (punishment for financing illicit traffic and harboring offenders) Additional Convictions Apart from the NDPS Act charges, Bhatt faced other convictions as well:Abetment and criminal conspiracy to commit an offense.
Vexatious entry, search, seizure, and arrestPublic servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injury Forgery and using forged documents Previous Conviction:This is not the first time Bhatt has faced legal consequences. He was previously sentenced to life imprisonment in a 1990 Jamnagar custodial death case, a punishment upheld by the Gujarat High Court. Consecutive Sentences:The court ordered that the 20-year sentence would start after the completion of the life sentence.Therefore, Bhatt will serve both sentences consecutively. Impact Bhatt’s case highlights the misuse of power by law enforcement officials and the importance of upholding justice.
What was the motive behind this conspiracy:
The motive behind the 1996 drug planting conspiracy involving former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, a lawyer, and a judge remains a matter of speculation. Personal Vendetta or Grudge:It’s possible that there was a personal vendetta or animosity between the individuals involved.Perhaps the lawyer had crossed paths with Bhatt or the judge in the past, leading to a desire for revenge or harm.
Professional Rivalry:In the legal and law enforcement fields, professional rivalries can be intense.The lawyer and Bhatt might have been on opposing sides in a case, leading to a desire to discredit or harm each other.
Political Pressure or Influence:Given the high-profile nature of the case, political pressure or influence could have played a role.Bhatt’s actions might have been influenced by powerful individuals who wanted to target the lawyer.
Corruption and Misuse of Power:Corruption within the police force is not uncommon.Bhatt’s misuse of power to frame the lawyer could be linked to bribery, personal gain, or other illicit motives.
In any case, the consequences have been severe, with Bhatt facing a 20-year sentence. For More details watch video of Crime Tak Nes
