Accused facing 37 cases arrested under NDPS Act in Belagavi

Belagavi Police have arrested and sent to custody a repeat offender, who is facing 37 cases, under the provisions of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act 1988.

It is the first such case since the formation of the Belagavi Police Commissionerate, sources said.

Andha Saleem alias Saleem Kareemuddin Soudagar is wanted in several serious crimes in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa. He has been convicted in five cases and acquitted in 26.

Officers of the APMC Police Station arrested Andha Saleem considered a habitual offender in narcotic drugs, theft, assault and other property-related crimes.

He was also wanted in murder, attempt to murder cases and is accused of threatening witnesses.

The police observed that despite multiple arrests and court proceedings, the individual continued his criminal activities and causing fear among the public and disturbing peace in the area.

Based on the history of repeated offences, Commissioner of Police Borase Bhushan Gulabrao invoked Section 3(1) of the PIT-NDPS Act 1988 which allows preventive detention of habitual offenders involved in narcotic and related crimes.

After the competent authority approved his recommendation, the detention order was executed on October 27.

“The PITNDPS Act prevents narcotic-related offences. We will continue to strictly enforce the PIT-NDPS Act against habitual offenders to ensure peace and security in the city,’’ the Police Commissioner said.