Guwahati, 20th July: The Gauhati High Court has mandated the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate allegations of areca nut smuggling from Myanmar into India via Mizoram’s Champhai district. This directive follows a public interest litigation (PIL) initiated by activist Vanramchhuangi, known as ‘Ruatfela Nu.’
On Tuesday, the bench comprising Justice Michael Zothankhuma and Justice Marly Vankung issued the order. The PIL alleges that smuggling operations involve the use of counterfeit e-way bills and GST certificates, raising concerns about the authenticity of documentation involved.
The court acknowledged that the state police had been unable to conduct a thorough investigation due to the international dimension of the smuggling activities. Emphasizing the need for an impartial inquiry, the court stated, “This direction for a CBI probe is necessitated by the involvement of international smuggling and the need for an unbiased inquiry.” The CBI has been instructed to register a case if deemed necessary and to pursue the investigation to its logical conclusion, highlighting the court’s commitment to addressing complex international smuggling issues.
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