During the tenure of the Dravidian Model Government led by M K Stalin, the proliferation of narcotic drugs and associated crimes has become a pressing issue. The surge in drug-related incidents, particularly involving youths addicted to substances like Ganja, has garnered widespread attention on social media and raised significant concerns among the public.
Incidents of drug-induced crimes, ranging from assaults on bus drivers to verbal abuse towards bystanders, have been on the rise in recent years. One notable incident involved a drug dealer, allegedly under the influence of Ganja, resisting arrest and physically attacking law enforcement officers.
The surge in drug-related incidents highlights the need for proactive measures to address substance abuse among youth in Tamil Nadu. The government faces mounting pressure to implement effective strategies to combat drug trafficking and provide support for rehabilitation programs.
On the afternoon of April 20, 2024, a government-operated city bus was en route from Pandanallur to Kumbakonam, with Driver Ramesh and Conductor Senthil Kumar on board. As the bus approached the Palakkarai area, it encountered a roadblock created by six individuals riding a two-wheeler. In an attempt to clear the obstruction, Driver Ramesh engaged in a verbal exchange with the group.
Despite Ramesh’s insistence that the road be cleared before allowing passage, the intoxicated youths demanded immediate access to the bus. The confrontation escalated rapidly, with the youths assaulting Ramesh and forcibly removing him from the vehicle. The assailants proceeded to physically attack the driver, causing severe injuries and significant bleeding.
In the midst of the chaos, a journalist who was documenting the incident also became a target of the attackers, facing assault and intimidation.
On April 21, 2024, Head Constables Pushparaj and Silambarasan from the Kannagi Nagar Police Station responded to reports of disturbances caused by individuals under the influence of ganja. Upon arrival at the scene, the officers encountered Rahul, identified as a ganja dealer, who aggressively resisted arrest and bit Policeman Pushparaj’s hand in an attempt to evade capture. Simultaneously, another intoxicated individual, Prem, brandished a knife, posing a threat to the officers and causing self-inflicted injuries in a bid to escape apprehension. Further escalating the situation, Santhosh Kumar began pelting stones at the police, creating chaos and endangering public safety.
Despite their efforts, the primary drug supplier, Umapathi, managed to evade capture and flee the scene. A video capturing the violent confrontation between the intoxicated individuals and law enforcement quickly circulated on social media, drawing attention to the escalating issue of drug-related disturbances in the area.
Subsequent to the incident, Kannagi Nagar police arrested Rahul (23), Prem (23), and Santhosh Kumar (23) on charges of assault and resisting arrest. The individuals were remanded into custody pending further investigation and legal proceedings.
The confrontation underscored the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing drug-related disturbances and highlighted the urgent need for enhanced measures to combat the proliferation of narcotics and ensure public safety in communities affected by drug abuse.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident to apprehend the remaining suspects and implement measures aimed at curbing drug-related offenses in Kannagi Nagar and surrounding areas.
AIADMK general secretary tweeted, “I urge you to take appropriate steps to manage the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu. @CMOTamilnadu @AIADMKOfficial”.
In yet another alarming incident, a motorist in Madurai fell victim to a brutal attack by a group of youths, further highlighting the growing concerns surrounding drug-related violence in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai took to Twitter to express his outrage, condemning the ease of access to drugs under the DMK Government’s administration. Annamalai emphasized the need for stringent law enforcement measures to address the alarming trend of violent attacks fueled by the influence of substances like “Ganja”. This incident in Madurai marks the fourth such attack reported in Tamil Nadu in recent days, underscoring the urgent need for action to combat drug-related crime and ensure public safety.
Amidst escalating concerns over drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) made headlines in March with the arrest of film producer Jaffer Sadiq, a former DMK functionary. Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a series of raids across Tamil Nadu, aiming to uncover a sophisticated network of drug-related money laundering activities allegedly involving Sadiq and other prominent figures. BJP leader Annamalai has been vocal about Chennai’s alarming rise as a hub for Ganja distribution, citing NCB seizures. He advocates for a comprehensive awareness campaign in schools and colleges, emphasizing the need for public and parental involvement to combat the drug menace, especially synthetic drugs. However, criticisms arise against the DMK government and its police force for purportedly targeting individuals like fortune tellers, cotton candy vendors, and social media activists instead of cracking down on drug peddlers.
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