Sitting amid the blackened remains of his home, 32-year-old Nikesh Gawali carefully broke open a half-melted plastic box with a screwdriver. His hands shook slightly, not out of fear, but out of hope. “I’m trying to find my daughter Aarti’s gold earrings,” he said quietly, still focused on the box. “She’s just five. I got them made recently after months of labour work.” The plastic box, warped and blackened by heat, was one of the few things left from his two-room house on the outskirts of Dhamangaon village . All around him lay ash, broken tin sheets and charred wooden beams. The walls had cracked under the heat and the front room’s tin roof had caved in completely. What remained was a blackened debris all around - almost nothing to suggest a home once stood there. Nikesh earns his living as an agricultural labourer, like many in the village. Work is uncertain and depends on the season. Those earrings weren’t just jewellery - they were a small dream, a reward for his hard work,...
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| DCP Mummaka Sudarshan |
THE growing menace of drug addiction is leaving a trail of devastation on many lives in the city. As the youth find themselves in the clutches of narcotics, their promising futures are being overshadowed by a dark and insecure path. In response to this alarming situation, the Nagpur police have launched an aggressive campaign known as “Operation Narcos,” taking aim at drug addicts and smugglers in a bid to restore hope and safety. In this background, on the eve of the International Day Against Drug Abuse, I caught up with Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Detection, Mummaka Sudarshan, who threw light on the severity of the drug consumption scenario in Nagpur and the comprehensive offensive launched by the Nagpur Police.
“The consumption of drugs has reached alarming levels in Nagpur,” remarked DCP Sudarshan, citing the concerns voiced by various segments of society. He further revealed that the most prevalent contraband substances among the city’s youth are Ganja (Marijuana) and Mephedrone (MD).
Speaking on the factors contributing to the distressing trend, DCP Sudarshan highlighted the attraction of “an instantaneous thrill” which is a key driver of drug addiction among youngsters. He expressed concern over the influence of drug-related content in popular OTT platforms, which promotes drug use within society. “Such shows spreads curiosity among viewers, leading to first-time consumption of contraband substances and eventually the person becomes a drug-addict,” he cautioned.
The effects of drug consumption are far severe, as the initial ‘high’ experienced by individuals after drug consumption influences habitual use. The Nagpur Police have recognised the urgent need to address this crisis and therefore, launched the full scale operation against the contraband.
DCP Sudarshan underlined the roles played by the police and society in countering drug addiction. “The police must act as a ‘big brother’ by actively preventing the availability of contraband within the city. Simultaneously, parents must remain vigilant and closely monitor their children’s activities, acquaintances, expenses, and party attendance,” he opined. He also called for the robust control mechanisms within society and hoped that it would significantly contribute in curbing addiction.
The Nagpur City police have adopted an uncompromising stance against drug smuggling and consumption. In May alone, more than 100 cases of drug consumption were registered, sending a strong message of “no-nonsense” to potential offenders. Regular drives to combat drug consumption are being conducted to further intensify the crackdown on this grave issue.
DCP Sudarshan further explained that the consequences of drug consumption extend beyond the imagination as individuals face the reality of limited job opportunities and a compromised future due to the long-term impact of a drug-related criminal record. “If you are behind drugs, there will be no future. A case of drug consumption registered against an individual would appear in their character verification. This means that drug addicts may face limitations in terms of job opportunities and a compromised future,” warned DCP Sudarshan and appealed the citizens to inform the police about drug addicts and smugglers to save lives of the youngsters.
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