Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The High Court of Bombay at Goa has granted bail to Maqsood Ahmad Patloo, a resident of Kashmir, who was arrested in connection with a drug trafficking case registered by Anjuna police.
Patloo was taken into custody following a late-night raid conducted on August 3, 2025, during which police allegedly seized 1.77 kg of ganja, 56 grams of suspected hydroponic ganja and cash amounting to ₹7 lakh from his possession.
The State opposed the bail plea, arguing that the accused was a repeat offender with earlier cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The prosecution also expressed apprehension that Patloo might flee, citing that he hails from Kashmir and does not have a permanent residence in Goa.
After hearing both sides, Justice Shreeram Shirsat allowed the bail application, observing that the quantity of the seized substance did not fall under the commercial category. The court also noted that the chemical analyser’s report had not been placed on record and held that previous criminal cases alone could not justify the denial of bail. It added that the concerns raised by the prosecution could be addressed by imposing appropriate safeguards.
While granting bail, the court directed the accused to execute a personal bond of ₹1 lakh with two sureties. He has also been ordered to report to Anjuna police on a weekly basis and surrender his passport, if he holds one, along with complying with other conditions imposed by the court.
The High Court clarified that its observations were limited to the consideration of bail and would not influence the trial proceedings on merits.
