In a groundbreaking shift from traditional law enforcement, nine police personnel from the Jhajjar police commissionerate in Haryana are redefining the battle against drugs. Their mission transcends mere arrests and incarcerations, focusing instead on healing and transformation through a compassionate, twin-pronged approach of rehabilitation and counseling.
A Compassionate Strategy for Change
Led by an ACP-level officer, the team is divided into two groups operating in rural areas and Jhajjar city, with one team specifically covering Bahadurgarh city near the New Delhi border. Jhajjar, identified as a drug peddling hotspot due to its proximity to the national capital, has become the epicenter of this innovative initiative. The officers rely on data collected from various sources and conduct extensive visits to wards and villages to identify and counsel individuals struggling with addiction.
Year-Long Efforts Yield Tangible Results
Under the supervision of DCP Jhajjar, Jasleen Kaur, the nine-member team's dedicated efforts over the past year are showing remarkable outcomes. From the 620 persons identified by district police last year, the team has successfully counseled 590, including women and children aged 6 to 14 years. Among these, 275 have received crucial medical aid to rebuild their lives, while eight addicts, including women, have been rehabilitated with employment opportunities, backed by police guarantees.
"As of now, we have sent 12 children in the age group of 6 to 14 years back to school under this rehabilitation mission. They have responded well and our teams regularly monitor their activities," stated DCP Jasleen Kaur, highlighting the program's focus on youth.
Grassroots Coordination and Challenges
ASI Ram Avtar, who works closely with DCP Kaur, coordinates with officers and field officials to ensure seamless operations. "These two teams reach out to village residents to ascertain details about addicts. There have been cases of parents being ignorant about the habits of their children and the company they keep. Sometimes situations turn hostile but we handle it calmly," he explained, underscoring the delicate nature of their work.
Inspiring Success Stories of Recovery
The initiative has led to numerous heartwarming success stories. DCP Jasleen recounted rehabilitating a woman in her mid-20s who, driven by her mother's illness and financial distress, fell into addiction and later became a peddler. After receiving counseling and medical treatment, she now works at a private factory in Bahadurgarh, living a respectable life. She shared how she previously earned Rs 18,000 monthly but turned to selling ganja illegally, sourcing it from Delhi's Nangloi and selling in Bahadurgarh, before the police intervention saved her future.
Overcoming Withdrawal and Stigma
Amir Singh, a 30-year-old former addict, described his five-year struggle with smack and injectable drugs, suffering severe body pain, temperature fluctuations, and instability without daily doses. "I developed the habit due to bad company while working as a driver," he said. The police met him repeatedly, facilitated doctor visits, ensured medication adherence, and motivated him to quit. Today, he works as a helper in a private hospital ambulance, contributing positively to society.
Suresh, a resident of Bahadurgarh's Purani Sabzi Mandi, faced isolation as neighbors shunned him due to his addiction. In July last year, the police team educated him on drug harms, provided counseling, arranged medicines, and monitored his recovery. He now works as a cook in a restaurant, rebuilding his life. Similarly, Sahil from a Jhajjar village lost his job to alcoholism but, after meeting the rehab team seven months ago, quit drinking and reopened his motorcycle workshop, which had been closed for two years.
A Legacy of Rehabilitation Efforts
This initiative marks the second instance where police-driven rehabilitation has gained attention in Haryana. Earlier, former DGP Shrikant Jadhav pioneered a similar program during his posting in the Hisar range, setting a precedent for compassionate policing. The Jhajjar team's work exemplifies a growing trend towards holistic solutions in combating drug abuse, emphasizing recovery and societal reintegration over punitive measures.
