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Key Points

In a shocking case of mistaken identity, two lorry drivers spent over five months in jail after sugar candy was wrongly identified as MDMA by Kerala police. The District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force arrested Biju and Manikantan during a routine trip, causing severe social and professional damage. Following media attention and a formal complaint, the State Police Chief has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident. The case highlights critical failures in the judicial process and raises serious questions about police procedures in drug-related investigations.

Key Points: Kerala Police Probe Launched After Lorry Drivers Jailed Over Sugar Candy

  • Kerala Police orders probe into wrongful detention of two lorry drivers
  • Chemical test revealed sugar candy, not MDMA
  • Drivers faced social stigma after release
  • High-level inquiry directed by State Police Chief
2 min read

Kerala Police orders probe after two men jailed for 151 days over sugar candy mistaken as MDMA

Two lorry drivers wrongly jailed for 151 days after sugar candy mistaken for MDMA, Kerala Police orders high-level inquiry

"Nothing can bring back those 151 days we lost - Biju, Wrongfully Detained Driver"

Kasargod, June 5

In a disturbing case of mistaken identity and prolonged detention in Kerala, two lorry drivers -- Biju and Manikantan -- spent 151 days in jail after sugar candy was wrongly identified as MDMA.

Following media reports and growing public concern, Kerala State Police Chief (SPC) has now ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.

The ordeal began last year when the two drivers, on a routine trip from Kozhikode to Kochi, stopped for tea in Kozhikode.

“We had just parked and were about to have our morning tea when some plainclothes men surrounded us. They said they were from the Kerala Police,” Biju recounted.

The District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF), a special unit tasked with combating drug trafficking, searched their body and said they found a packet of sugar candy in Manikantan’s pocket. Despite his explanation, officers insisted it was MDMA, a synthetic drug.

“When they claimed it was MDMA, Manikantan collapsed on the spot. A crowd gathered, some even recorded videos,” said Biju.

Both were arrested and spent over five months in jail, only to be released after a chemical analysis confirmed that the substance was indeed sugar candy.

The delay in receiving the lab report -- which should typically take 15 days -- has raised serious concerns. After their release, the drivers faced social ostracism and struggled to find employment, as many still believed they were drug offenders.

In response to a formal complaint sent to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office, the State Police Chief has now directed the Kozhikode City Police Commissioner to initiate a detailed probe, assigning the investigation to an officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The SPC has also sought answers on why the chemical test report was delayed, causing unnecessary and prolonged incarceration.

With the case now receiving widespread media coverage, both Biju and Manikantan say they are beginning to feel a sense of relief.

“People have started to realise that we were innocent. But nothing can bring back those 151 days we lost,” said Biju.

The case has sparked outrage among rights activists and civil society groups, who are now demanding accountability and compensation for the wrongful confinement.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 5 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
This is absolutely shameful! 151 days in jail for sugar candy? The police need better training in drug identification. The delay in lab reports shows our forensic system needs urgent reforms. Hope the victims get proper compensation. #JusticeForBijuAndManikantan
P
Priya M.
As someone from Kerala, I'm deeply disturbed by this. Our police force is usually efficient, but such mistakes damage public trust. The social stigma these poor men faced is heartbreaking 💔 Hope the inquiry brings accountability and systemic changes.
A
Arjun S.
While the police must be strict on drugs, this is clearly overreach. Basic field tests could have prevented this tragedy. The government should compensate ₹10,000 per day for wrongful detention. Also, those officers need suspension pending inquiry.
S
Sunita R.
This case shows how our system fails common people. Imagine losing 5 months of your life because someone couldn't tell sugar from drugs! 😡 The police must apologize publicly and help these men rebuild their lives. Their families suffered too.
V
Vikram J.
While this is unacceptable, let's not forget Kerala Police does good work in controlling drugs generally. The system failed here, but the prompt inquiry shows responsibility. Hope they implement safeguards - maybe mandatory field tests before arrests.

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