Top Officer Calls for AI-Based Charge Sheet System to Strengthen NDPS Convictions in Jammu Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday directed the Jammu and Kashmir Police to develop an Artificial Intelligence-enabled system for preparing watertight charge sheets under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, as part of the government’s effort to ensure higher conviction rates in narcotics-related cases.

Chairing the 15th meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), Dulloo said the AI-driven module should be developed under the supervision of IGP Jammu in coordination with the Law and Prosecution Departments. The system, he said, would help eliminate procedural lapses and strengthen the prosecution process.

The Chief Secretary underscored the need for closer collaboration between the Police and Law Departments to devise a robust prosecution strategy and directed that all bails and acquittals in commercial quantity cases be promptly challenged. He also instructed that Standard Operating Procedures be formulated for Investigating and Prosecuting Officers to ensure consistency and efficiency in case handling.

Reviewing the status of ongoing anti-narcotics operations, Dulloo called for strict surveillance around identified drug hotspots, particularly near coaching centres and private educational institutions, to protect youth from substance abuse. He further directed intensified monitoring of de-addiction medicines to prevent misuse, and asked the Forensic Science Laboratory to speed up the testing of drug samples to generate timely, credible reports.

The Chief Secretary said all districts must regularly convene NCORD meetings, ensure senior-level participation, and upload proceedings on the national portal. He also called for a review of long-pending NDPS cases to identify causes of delay and take corrective measures.

During the meeting, operational data presented by ADGP Crime Sujit K Singh revealed that till September 2025, a total of 1,342 NDPS cases had been registered, of which 1,305 were challaned. The data showed 142 convictions, 197 acquittals, and 339 completed trials, including 12 high-conviction cases. This year, 215 preventive detentions were invoked under the PITNDPS Act, 222 drug hotspots identified (44 demolished), and 1,350 individuals were placed under surveillance.

Singh added that 103 backward and forward linkages had been established, leading to the arrest of 113 individuals. Seizures included 81 properties worth Rs 16.64 crore attached under the NDPS Act. Nearly 99 per cent of retail pharmacies now operate under CCTV surveillance and computerised billing.

The Health and Medical Education Secretary informed that over 32,000 patients had availed outpatient services at de-addiction centres, with 551 new admissions recorded in in-patient facilities since January. The Chief Secretary directed augmentation of manpower at such facilities, including the hiring of psychiatrists on academic arrangements and training of medical officers at IMHANS.

Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics, Dulloo said innovative, technology-driven tools like AI must be adopted to make investigations scientifically robust. “There can be no scope for complacency in combating this social evil,” he said, urging all departments to work in synergy toward a drug-free Jammu Kashmir.