Summary: Aienaddin Gurgij's request to be released from jail while waiting for his trial was denied by the Delhi High Court. He was caught with a large amount of heroin at the Delhi airport, and the court found no reason to let him out on bail.
On June 4, 2021, Aienaddin Gurgij and his cousin Bashir Ahmad Gurgich were stopped at Delhi's IGI Airport. They had arrived from Dubai, and customs officers found suspicious items in their luggage. The officers discovered shampoo and hair color bottles filled with a black liquid, which turned out to be heroin.
The customs team found about 10.96 kg of heroin in Gurgij's bag and a total of 19.48 kg from both individuals. This amount is considered "commercial" under the laws related to illegal drugs.
"The samples tested positive for diacetylmorphine (heroin), an illegal drug listed under the drug laws."
A complaint was filed under the drug laws, and charges were brought against Gurgij. His cousin passed away during the trial, so the case continues only against Gurgij.
Gurgij's lawyer argued that he has been in jail for over four years without the trial being finished. They claimed he didn't know about the drugs and that the bags were not with him during the flight.
"The person asking for bail is the main financial supporter of his family, and his long time in jail has caused severe financial and emotional problems for his family."
Judge Ajay Digpaul turned down the request for bail, pointing to the large amount of heroin and the ongoing trial. The court highlighted the seriousness of the crime and the potential risk of Gurgij running away because he is not from India.
"The legal rules under Section 37, therefore, continue to prevent granting bail in this case."
The court stressed the need to be careful given the seriousness of the crime. The trial is expected to move forward quickly, but for now, Gurgij stays in jail.
