Himachal Pradesh Takes Strong Action Against Police in Drug Trafficking Cases
In a decisive move, the Himachal Pradesh government dismissed eleven police personnel on Monday. These officers faced dismissal due to their involvement in cases related to chitta, which is heroin. The action underscores the state's firm zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking.
Dismissals Under Constitutional Provision
The government carried out the dismissals using Article 311(2)(b) of the Indian Constitution. This article permits termination without a departmental inquiry in exceptional situations. The state deemed the involvement in drug trafficking as such a circumstance.
The dismissed personnel include:
- Inspector Neeraj Kumar from the 1st Indian Reserve Battalion in Bangarh
- Constable Shubham Thakur posted in Bilaspur district
- Constable Kapil from the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion in Pandoh
- Constable Shiv Kumar from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
- Constable Lakshya Chauhan from Shimla district police
- Constable and driver Vishal Thakur from the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau
- Constable Gaurav Verma from the 4th Indian Reserve Battalion in Jungleberry
- Constable and driver Sandeep Rana from the 2nd Indian Reserve Battalion in Sakoh
- Constable Ankush Kumar posted in the SDRF
- Constable Rajat Chandel from the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
- Constable Rahul Verma from Shimla district police
Authorities found all eleven individuals involved in cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Chief Minister's Firm Stance on Drug Menace
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over a meeting in Shimla to address the issue. He emphasized that the police force holds the primary responsibility for curbing the drug menace. Sukhu stated that stringent action becomes unavoidable when those tasked with enforcing the law engage in drug-related activities themselves.
"No one stands above the law," said Sukhu. "Anyone promoting the illegal trade of chitta and other drugs will face strict action, regardless of their position."
The Chief Minister issued further directives. He ordered all government departments to compile detailed reports on employees involved in chitta trafficking. These reports must go to the chief secretary promptly. Sukhu also instructed officials to identify properties allegedly acquired through drug money by such employees. This information must then forward to the government.
Boosting Public Participation and Rewards
To strengthen public involvement, the state government activated emergency number 112. Citizens can use this number to share information related to chitta. The government appealed to people to come forward without fear.
Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari presented an overview of actions taken by the police department against drug trafficking. The state government announced attractive rewards for informers. These rewards aim to encourage people to provide actionable information on chitta syndicates.
Rewards will range from Rs 10,000 to over Rs 10 lakh. The exact amount depends on the quantity of drugs seized and the scale of the syndicate exposed. This initiative seeks to dismantle drug networks more effectively.
