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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

President takes prompt cognizance

Mumbai: President Droupadi Murmu has taken immediate cognizance of a plea pointing at grave insults to the Indian Tricolour (Tiranga) in pubs and hotels, violations to the Flag Code of India, 2002, in the name of celebrating Republic Day and Independence Day. Pune businessman-cum-activist Prafful Sarda had shot off a complaint to the President on Jan. 26 but was surprised to receive a response from her office in less than 72 hours. Under Secretary Lakshmi Maharabooshanam in the President’s...

President takes prompt cognizance

Mumbai: President Droupadi Murmu has taken immediate cognizance of a plea pointing at grave insults to the Indian Tricolour (Tiranga) in pubs and hotels, violations to the Flag Code of India, 2002, in the name of celebrating Republic Day and Independence Day. Pune businessman-cum-activist Prafful Sarda had shot off a complaint to the President on Jan. 26 but was surprised to receive a response from her office in less than 72 hours. Under Secretary Lakshmi Maharabooshanam in the President’s Secretariat at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replied to Sarda on forwarding his complaint to the Ministry of Home Affairs for necessary action. It further stated that action taken in the matter must be conveyed directly to Sarda. “It’s a pleasant surprise indeed that the President has taken serious note of the issue of insults to the National Flag at night-clubs, pubs, lounges, sports bars and other places all over the country. The blatant mishandling of the National Flag also violates the specially laid-down provisions of the Flag Code of India,” said Sarda. He pointed out that the Tricolor is a sacred symbol and not a ‘commercial prop’ for entertainment purposes to be used by artists without disregard for the rules. “There are multiple videos, reels or photos available on social media… It's painful to view how the National Flag is being grossly misused, disrespected and even displayed at late nights or early morning hours, flouting the rules,” Sarda said. The more worrisome aspect is that such transgressions are occurring openly, repeatedly and apparently without any apprehensions for the potential consequences. This indicates serious lapses in the enforcement and supervision, but such unchecked abuse could portend dangerous signals that national symbols can be ‘trivialized and traded for profits’. He urged the President to direct the issue of stringent written guidelines with circular to all such private or commercial outlets on mandatory compliance with the Flag Code of India, conduct special awareness drives, surprise checks on such venues and regular inspections to curb the misuse of the Tricolour. Flag Code of India, 2002 Perturbed over the “perceptible lack of awareness” not only among the masses but also governmental agencies with regard to the laws, practices and conventions for displaying the National Flag as per the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, the centre had brought out the detailed 25-page Flag Code of India, 2002. The Flag Code of India has minute guidelines on the display of the Tricolour, the happy occasions when it flies high, or the sad times when it is at half-mast, the privileged dignitaries who are entitled to display it on their vehicles, etc. Certain violations attract hefty fines and/or imprisonment till three years.

Unveiling Smuggling Networks with Forensics

Updated: Mar 20, 2025

Innovations in forensic science now enable rapid, high-precision detection of trace-level narcotics in complex samples.

Smuggling Networks with Forensics

Forensic narcotics analysis is a specialised branch of forensic science that deals with the identification of illegal drugs and their derivatives. This field plays a crucial role in detecting, and analysing drugs, helping law enforcement and forensic experts identify illicit substances quickly and accurately. These tools can even identify trace amounts of drugs in samples such as blood, urine, hair, and environmental surfaces, providing reliable results in both laboratories and field operations.


The roots of forensic narcotic analysis date back to “The William Palmer Case” of England, where chemical analysis was used to detect toxic substances in the poisoning investigation. Later, the Hague Opium Convention in 1912 led to the routine use of forensic narcotics analysis in the illegal drug trade. In India, forensic narcotics analysis became prominent in the mid-20th century, with the establishment of forensic science laboratories and increasing concerns about illegal drug trafficking.


India faces significant challenges from two major drug-producing regions: the Golden Crescent, which includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, and the Golden Triangle, including Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. Heroin from the Golden Crescent affects states like Punjab, while drugs from the Golden Triangle affect northeastern states such as Manipur and Mizoram. This dual threat continues to disrupt families and communities, emphasising the need for countermeasures.


Several notable cases have employed these tools in detecting and seizing narcotic drugs. In 2021, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 3000 kg of cocaine worth ₹21,000 crore at Mundra Port, Gujarat. Advanced container scanners revealed cocaine hidden in a shipment labelled as ‘talcum powder’. These scanners can analyse dense, irregular items of shipments, enabling the detection of hidden drugs. Similarly, detection dogs have displayed their value in drug enforcement. At Bengaluru Airport in 2018, a trained sniffer dog identified a consignment of hashish hidden in gift items destined for Dubai.


Another major drug detection tool includes the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) testing kits, which are portable and allow on-the-spot colour-changing chemical testing of narcotic substances. The customs officials seized 50 kg of heroin hidden in a truck carrying agricultural produce using these kits at the Wagah Border in 2021. This immediate identification facilitates further investigation into cross-border smuggling networks.


Modern forensic tools are increasingly integrated with mobile applications, allowing for seamless data collection, analysis, and sharing. This integration facilitates real-time decision-making and enhances the efficiency of forensic investigations. For example, NIRLAB's ultra-portable near-infrared detector connects to a mobile app, enabling instant analysis and visualisation of results.


The Supreme Court has emphasised the pivotal role of forensic tools in enhancing the effectiveness of narcotic drug investigations and has recognised the results of such tests as scientific evidence. In the 2013 case of Thana Singh vs. Central Bureau of Narcotics, the Supreme Court acknowledged that timely chemical analysis of seized substances is essential for the effective prosecution of drug-related offences. It also recommended establishing more forensic labs and appointing qualified experts for prompt analysis. Experts like Dr. Rajesh Sharma, a leading narcotics specialist, use chemistry to trace drug origins and lift fingerprints from packages to track down and expose entire smuggling networks. They provide evidence needed to prosecute traffickers and shut down operations.


The Centre of Excellence at NFSU uses advanced tools to identify and quantify narcotic substances. They also develop portable testing kits that allow law enforcement agencies to conduct on-the-spot analysis during raids and seizures. Its contributions integrate forensic science into modern law enforcement strategies.


These advancements are transforming forensic narcotic detection in India by providing more efficient, accurate, and safer methods for identifying substances, thereby strengthening the efforts of law enforcement agencies.


(Dr. Kumar is a retired IPS officer and forensic consultant to the Assam Government. Bhowmickis a research associate in criminology.)

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