The Karnataka Upalokayukta has initiated legal proceedings against officials of the Mandya Police department for their alleged failure to curb the growing drug menace among minors in the district. The communication from the Upalokayukta’s office states that due to the negligence of the police, minors are being deprived of their fundamental right to life and the right to live with dignity, as enshrined in the Constitution.
Details of the Case
The case has been filed under the provisions of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, which empowers the anti-corruption watchdog to investigate cases of administrative negligence. The Upalokayukta has directed the police department to submit a detailed report on the measures taken so far to prevent drug abuse among children. The officials named in the case include senior police officers from Mandya district who are responsible for law enforcement and public safety.
Impact on Minors
The drug menace in Mandya has been a growing concern, with reports indicating that minors as young as 14 are being lured into substance abuse. The Upalokayukta emphasized that the police’s inaction has led to a violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The communication further noted that the failure to prevent drug trafficking and consumption has endangered the future of the youth in the region.
Government Response
The Karnataka government has taken note of the case and assured that strict action will be taken against erring officials. The state Home Department has been asked to coordinate with the police to implement stricter vigilance and awareness campaigns in schools and colleges. Additionally, the government has announced the formation of a special task force to tackle the drug problem in Mandya and other affected districts.
Historical Context
This is not the first time that the Upalokayukta has intervened in matters of public health and safety. In the past, the office has filed cases against officials for negligence in handling issues like child labor, human trafficking, and environmental violations. The current case underscores the growing concern over drug abuse among minors in Karnataka, which has seen a rise in recent years due to easy availability of narcotics and lack of effective enforcement.
Next Steps
The Upalokayukta has given the police department a deadline of 30 days to submit a comprehensive action plan. Failure to comply may result in contempt proceedings. Meanwhile, civil society groups have welcomed the move and called for stricter penalties for drug peddlers targeting minors. The case is expected to be heard in the coming weeks, with the Upalokayukta likely to summon the accused officials for questioning.
