Notwithstanding the multi-pronged strategy embarked upon by the police and other agencies to prevent supply of drugs and its consumption, youngsters continue to fall prey to narcotics in Ferozepur district. Sale of synthetic drugs has been going on unabated at Palla Megha, Sher Khan, Khalchian, Basti Shekhan Wali, Bharat Nagar and other areas of the district. As per records, 17 persons have died due to alleged drug overdose in the past six months. On October 30, a video of a woman in an intoxicated condition belonging to Basti Shekhan in the city had gone viral. The entire area in and around Basti Shekhan has become a drug hotspot. Two deaths were reported from here recently. The dilapidated Rai Sikh Bhawan situated here has become a safe haven for addicts.
Earlier, a youth, identified as Suraj (23), a resident of Basti Shekhan, had alleged in a video that “chitta” was being delivered at home. Two days after his video went viral, Suraj was found dead reportedly due to a drug overdose. The police had booked four persons, including a woman, in this case.
Recently, a youth, identified as Vicky, had died due to an alleged overdose of drugs, following which the police had booked three women under Section 304 of the IPC.
Ahead of the Assembly poll, pastor Jaipal of Bajidpur village had alleged open sale of drugs in a video on social media. Jaipal had exhorted the then CM, Charanjit Singh Channi, besides the DGP, to take stern action against the accused who were roaming scot-free under political patronage.
Naveen Sharma, chief, Anti-Crime Anti-Drug India, an NGO, said despite stringent measures taken by law enforcement agencies, there had been little check on drug abuse by youngsters.
