Mysore/Mysuru: The 7th Additional District and Sessions Court in city has sentenced a man to three years rigorous imprisonment and has imposed a fine of Rs. 30,000 after he was found guilty of growing ganja plants to sell the leaves.

The convicted person is 41-year-old Azeez alias Ajith, a resident of Ayarabeedu village in Periyapatna taluk.

Azeez, had taken an agricultural field belonging to one late Siddamma near Lingapura Haadi in Survey No. 67/2 from late Annaiah on lease for five years.

Azeez had grown ganja plants in the field and had stored the leaves weighing 5 kg 400 grams in the shed, which was seized by Bylakuppe Police during the raid at about 7 am on July 30, 2023.

Bylakuppe Sub-Inspector D.N. Ajaykumar, who had registered a case under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, conducted investigation and had submitted a charge sheet to the Court.

Judge M. Ramesh, who took up the case, heard the arguments, found accused Azeez guilty of the crime and sentenced him to three years rigorous imprisonment, besides imposing a fine of Rs. 30,000 and an additional six months rigorous imprisonment in lieu of failing to deposit the fine amount.

Public Prosecutor N.B. Vijayalakshmi argued on behalf of the Government.