Confederation of All India Traders
“Vyapar Bhawan”
925/1, Naiwala, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005,
Phone: +91-11-45032664, Telefax +91-11-45032665
E-mail: teamcait@gmail.com Website: www.cait.in
Ref. No.: 3404/1/50
Shri Amit Shah
Hon’ble Minister for Home Affairs
Government of India,
New Delhi
Respected Shri Amit Shah Ji,
Subject: Strict and immediate investigation against Flipkart for illicit trade of narcotics in India
This is regarding recent news reports by prominent sections of the media that appeared today that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a deep rooted racket of supply of heroin and other contraband drugs which are likely to be facilitated by e-commerce company Flipkart. We are writing to you to request you to initiate an urgent investigation into these charges so that the truth can be revealed and we believe that consequent upon the usage of flipkart packaging, the role of flipkart e-commerce portal can not be denied which contravenes Section 20(b) of NDPS Act that says “produces, manufactures, possesses, sells, purchases, transports, imports inter-State, exports inter-State or uses cannabis, shall be punishable’:
It is to be noted that the seized heroin and other articles appeared in Flipkart packaging as per video and photos avail-able on media pertaining to this seizure by NCB. Therefore, we urge your good self to direct NCB to investigate the role and participation of Flipkart in the transaction and delivery of heroine and other contraband drugs. It is a serious question of law that must not be left unattended because it poses national security threats and is similar to illicit trade of arms. Flipkart’s possible involvement in illegal activities to hurt India must not go unnoticed and an investigation must be initiated under NDPS Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has not only been very active in the prevention of drug trafficking but also in the recent cases of drug abuse in various parts of the country. We appreciate the efforts of the NCB in this regard be-cause use and abuse of narcotic substances must not be tolerated and must be punished severely.
It is to bring to your notice that e-commerce companies like Flipkart generally take the shelter of Section 79 of the Information Technology Act,2000 being an “intermediary” whereas the Department of Industries and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Ministry of Commerce on 22nd Feburary,2021 has already clarified that such e-commerce companies can not claim the privilege of Section 79 as they are not intermediary and are more akin to a ‘seller’ than’ intermediaries”
It is noteworthy that NCB takes a keen interest in preventing the trade and misuse of narcotic substances to protect the youth of this country and has been proactive to even prevent such misuse for small quantities. We would therefore, like to urge you to initiate an urgent investigation that must look into any and all illicit activities that this racket could be involved in and take stringent penal action against Flipkart under section 20 (ii)(c) of the NDPS Act and the IPC.
Looking forward to your consideration.
Thank you. With regards
Yours truly
Praveen Khandelwa
National Secretary General
Confederation of All India Traders
