In a fresh turn in the Mundra drug haul case, one of the accused told the Supreme Court that his children are being bullied at school because of the terror funding allegations against him.
He pleaded for interim bail, saying the false accusations are affecting his family, especially his young children, who are being mentally harassed and socially isolated.
In September 2021, Indian authorities made one of the biggest drug seizures in the country’s history.
Nearly 3,000 kg of heroin was found at the Mundra Port in Gujarat. The shipment had arrived from Afghanistan through Iran and was declared as a consignment of talc stones.
The drugs were linked to a firm in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
Because of the suspected links to terrorism and organized crime, the case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Heavy Charges Filed Against the Accused
The accused in the case are facing strict charges under the following laws:
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
According to the NIA, the accused were involved in smuggling drugs to fund terrorist activities, both in India and abroad.
In a recent bail plea to the Supreme Court, one of the main accused stated that the case has taken a serious toll on his family, especially his school-going children.
He claimed that the terror tag on his name has made life extremely difficult for his children.
They are being teased, isolated, and bullied at school by classmates. Some teachers have also shown bias toward them, he alleged.
The accused’s lawyer told the court that his children are being called names like “terrorist’s kids” and “drug peddler’s children,” which has led to emotional trauma.
The children have shown signs of anxiety, depression, and fear. The family is unable to live a normal life due to the ongoing social pressure.
The Supreme Court bench, headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, listened to the plea and issued a notice to the NIA.
The court has asked the agency to respond to the bail request and the mental health concerns raised.
The final hearing is expected in the coming weeks.
The NIA believes that the accused had a major role in bringing the drugs into India and helping distribute them.
The agency has submitted digital evidence, including:
- Mobile phone records
- Bank transactions
- Communication with foreign handlers
They argue that the accused is part of a large international drug network that funds terrorist operations.
Legal experts say that emotional distress and family suffering can be considered while granting interim bail, especially if the trial is delayed.
The accused has been in jail for over two years. His lawyer argues that no solid proof has been presented yet for the terrorism angle.
If granted bail, the accused plans to help his children resume a normal school life and seek counseling support.
The Mundra drug haul case created a storm across the country. People were shocked by the quantity of heroin and the possible links to terror groups.
But now, attention is also turning to the impact on the accused’s family.
Many people feel that while the law must take its course, innocent children should not become victims of a case they have nothing to do with.
Child rights activists are urging schools to provide emotional support and protection to the children of accused persons.
A senior child psychologist said:
“When children are bullied because of their parents’ legal issues, it creates long-term damage. Schools must create a safe and supportive environment.”
Experts are suggesting that schools organize counseling programs, awareness drives, and anti-bullying policies to protect vulnerable students.
Many legal experts agree that while national security is important, the rights of the accused’s family cannot be ignored.
Senior advocate Harish Salve said:
“The accused has not been convicted yet. His children should not be punished by society. Bail is a legal right, not a reward.”
Some legal analysts have also pointed out the issue of long legal delays, which result in extended imprisonment without trial.
This case is not only about drugs and terrorism. It also forces us to think about how society treats the families of undertrial prisoners.
Children must never be blamed or mistreated because of their parents’ legal troubles.
The law promises justice for all, and that includes the right to live with dignity and safety, even for the children of the accused.
The Supreme Court will hear the case again after the NIA files its response. The final decision will depend on both the evidence and the humanitarian aspects of the case.
This case could set a new precedent in how courts handle bail pleas involving family hardship.
The Mundra drug haul case is one of India’s most high-profile investigations involving drugs and possible terror funding.
While the law must act firmly against those found guilty, the emotional and mental health of the accused’s innocent children must also be protected. As the Supreme Court considers the bail plea, this case highlights the need for compassion, fairness, and social responsibility in our legal and education systems
