Allahabad High Court Grants Interim Bail to Vibhor Rana in Phensedyl Cough Syrup Smuggling Case

Court acknowledges lack of direct involvement, no recovery, and previous bail orders in favor of co-accused.

In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court has granted interim bail to Vibhor Rana, an accused in the alleged smuggling and misuse of Phensedyl cough syrup. The court, presided over by Justice Karunesh Singh Pawar, acknowledged the absence of direct evidence against Rana, noting that he was not named in the initial FIR and no recovery was made from him. The decision was influenced by previous bail orders granted to co-accused and the applicant's commitment to cooperate with ongoing investigations.

The prosecution alleged that Vibhor Rana, along with co-accused, facilitated illegal transactions through bogus firms, smuggling Phensedyl cough syrup, which is purportedly used for intoxication rather than medicinal purposes. Despite these allegations, the court noted that the applicant’s name only appeared in confessional statements of co-accused Bittu Kumar and Sachin Kumar, and no incriminating material was found against him.

Vibhor Rana's defense argued that he was wrongly implicated based on co-accused statements without substantial evidence. The defense also highlighted that Phensedyl is neither classified under narcotic nor psychotropic substances, thereby not falling under the stringent provisions of the NDPS Act, which further weakened the prosecution's case.

The court's decision was also swayed by the fact that co-accused Shailendra Arya, from whom the alleged recovery was made, was already granted bail, and the proceedings under the NDPS Act against Rana were previously quashed by a Division Bench at Allahabad. Further, Vibhor Rana's firm, a licensed distributor for Abbott Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., was argued to be operating within legal bounds under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.

Justice Pawar emphasized the absence of recovery and the applicant's willingness to comply with judicial conditions as crucial factors for granting bail. The applicant is required to furnish a personal bond and sureties, and adhere to conditions such as not tampering with evidence, not pressurizing witnesses, and attending all trial dates.

The interim bail reflects the court’s consideration of the applicant's custody since November 13, 2025, and his undertaking to remain within jurisdiction. The case is slated for further hearing on January 5, 2026.

Bottom Line:

Interim bail granted in a case involving alleged smuggling and misuse of Phensedyl cough syrup, where the applicant was not named in the FIR, and no recovery was made from him.

Statutory provision(s): Sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 34, 120(B), 201 IPC

Vibhor Rana v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(Lucknow) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2824908