Latest news with #WarAgainstDrugs
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Ludhiana Central Jail faces overcrowding and heat issues due to intensified drug crackdown.
Ludhiana: Punjab's aggressive anti-drug campaign has triggered a crisis at the local Central Jail, where inmate numbers have surged far beyond capacity, overwhelming staff and sparking urgent efforts to combat stifling summer conditions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Under the state govt's 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh' (War Against Drugs) campaign, police are intensifying arrests of drug peddlers, smugglers, and even users — a move that's aimed at eliminating the drug menace but straining the prison system. Ludhiana Central Jail, designed to house 3,200 inmates, is now holding 4,500-odd. Superintendent Shivraj Singh Nandgarh said the facility was receiving about 70 new inmates daily from Ludhiana city, Jagraon, Khanna, and Nawanshahr. "With the daily influx, overcrowding is a serious concern," he said. "The rising temperatures are making it worse, and we're working to bring relief to inmates." In response, the jail has procured 300 of 500 approved water pots and received approval to install 70 exhaust fans across its 40 barracks. All barracks are already equipped with ceiling fans, water coolers, and reverse osmosis systems, but Nandgarh said those measures are proving insufficient given the scale of overcrowding. Additional ceiling fans are also expected to be supplied by senior officials in the coming days. This is not the first time Ludhiana Central Jail has faced pressure. In April, it stopped accepting new inmates temporarily after the population crossed 4,700, redirecting fresh arrests to Goindwal Jail, located 110 km away. A similar halt occurred in 2024 for two months, also due to overcrowding. Nandgarh said another request had been submitted to shift new inmates elsewhere, but the chances were slim. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Goindwal Jail is also receiving inmates from Amritsar," he noted. Meanwhile, staff shortages are compounding the problem. Despite housing 4,500 inmates, the jail operates with just 110 security personnel — well below optimal staffing levels for such a population. Officials say unless new arrest protocols are balanced with infrastructure upgrades, Punjab's prison system risks buckling under pressure. MSID:: 121598913 413 |
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab: Manish Sisodia tells newly appointed AAP office-bearers to gear up for 2027 assembly polls
A day after revamping the state unit, Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia on Sunday held detailed discussions with the newly appointed party office-bearers with focus on strengthening the organisational structure and preparing for the upcoming electoral challenges, including the 2027 assembly elections. During the meeting, Sisodia asked the new team to assume their responsibilities immediately as their effort would define the party's success in the state. 'You are the state leadership; you are Team Mission-2027,' he said, emphasising their crucial role in driving the party's vision and strategy. AAP state president Aman Arora, working president Amansher Singh Shery Kalsi, all state secretaries, general secretaries, Lok Sabha in-charges, and district in-charges participated in the meeting, The AAP state in-charge highlighted the importance of building a robust organisation at every level and urged the team members to focus on expanding the party's reach and creating a positive environment about the party's achievements and vision for the state. 'Your role is to take the transformative works of the government directly to the people,' said Sisodia, specifically telling them to support government initiatives like 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' (War Against Drugs) and connect with the people on the ground. The roles and responsibilities of various party positions, including district in-charges, block leaders, state secretaries, and general secretaries were also discussed. Sisodia also outlined key directives for AAP's district in-charges (DIs), emphasising the need for an active, on-ground presence across Punjab. He stressed the importance of strong coordination between district in-charges, MLAs, and party cadres. He urged district in-charges to act as connectors between elected representatives, office-bearers, and grassroots workers, driving joint campaigns and facilitating meaningful dialogue. Arora and Shery Kalsi also shared their insights during the meeting.
India Today
4 days ago
- India Today
Border force recovers 1 kg of heroin, pistol from near Pakistan border in Punjab
A swift response by Border Security Force troops to inputs by its intelligence foiled nefarious attempts by a cross-border narco-terror syndicate as they recovered a drone, over 1 kilogram of suspected heroin and a pistol with a magazine in the bordering districts of Punjab from three separate operations carried out on Friday night and Saturday morning, officials Friday night, based on the intel provided by the BSF intelligence wings, a joint search operation by the BSF in collaboration with the Punjab Police was launched. It led to the recovery of one packet of suspected heroin (gross weight- 589 grams) from a field adjacent to village Dal in district Tarn Saturday morning, BSF troops recovered one DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone along with one packet of suspected heroin (gross weight- 548 grams) from a field near the border security fence adjacent to the village of Habibwala in district Ferozepur. A few hours later, a search operation by BSF troops culminated in the recovery of a pistol along with a magazine, which were found in burnt condition from a field near Dhani Natha Singh Wala village of Fazilka district in the incriminating articles were recovered from the border districts which were among those which found themselves at the receiving end of the Pakistani drone and missile attack earlier this came amid the Punjab Police's announcement that it is preparing to introduce GPS-enabled anklets to monitor drug kingpins and repeat offenders released on bail or parole, as part of the state government's 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh' (War Against Drugs) move aims to enable real-time surveillance and prevent absconding, marking a significant shift in the state's criminal justice enforcement through InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Punjab
India Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Punjab Police to deploy GPS-enabled anklets to track drug smugglers out on bail
The Punjab Police is preparing to introduce GPS-enabled anklets to monitor drug kingpins and repeat offenders released on bail or parole, as part of the state government's 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh' (War Against Drugs) move aims to enable real-time surveillance and prevent absconding, marking a significant shift in the state's criminal justice enforcement through technology."We are also examining whether we can get GPS anklets for big drug smugglers once they are out on jail or parole. We are seeing its feasibility - keeping in view human rights. Bail cancellation of repeat offenders is also on the agenda. Any connivance of jail officials will not be tolerated," said Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav DGP Yadav cited Jammu and Kashmir as a precedent, where such anklets are already being used. In November 2023, J&K became the first region in India to equip accused under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) with GPS tracking devices. Currently, around 40 individuals are being monitored in the Union J&K deploys the technology for terror-related cases, Punjab intends to use it against major drug traffickers such as Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, who is presently lodged in an Assam GPS anklets - also known as electronic monitors or ankle shackles - are widely used to track individuals under parole, house arrest, or immigration surveillance. The waterproof devices offer round-the-clock location tracking and are equipped with tamper Punjab, Station House Officers (SHOs) have been directed to obtain court approval for the deployment of these devices. A supporting legal framework is currently being part of the crackdown, multiple FIRs have been registered and numerous arrests made. Several hawala networks associated with drug smuggling have also been efforts toward de-addiction, DGP Yadav said that 5,786 individuals have been admitted to de-addiction centres across the state. To curb cross-border drug trafficking, nine new anti-drone systems have been procured."Meanwhile, leading the war on de-addiction, one police officer will adopt a drug addict - to ensure he is on the path to recovery. This will be purely voluntary," the DGP further noted that the anti-drug campaign will continue beyond the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government's May 31 deadline for achieving a drug-free opposition parties have criticised the state government, accusing the AAP of failing to fulfill its promise of a drug-free state. However, the DGP maintained that the situation has improved, with a noticeable decline in drug availability across Punjab.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
In Punjab, the real resistance to nasha rises — from its hinterlands
The Punjabi word ghumand translates to arrogance, but for residents of Ghumandgarh, it's pride of a different kind. While many villages across Punjab grapple with drug menace, Ghumandgarh in Fatehgarh Sahib stands out as a model of resistance, fiercely protective of its youth and community values. 'In Ghumandgarh, ghumand is a vow. We have vowed that our youth will never take to drugs. It's a mission we're united on,' said Palwinder Singh, sarpanch of the 1,700-strong village with 1,100 votes. The panchayat has declared the village nasha-mukt (drug-free). Their declaration comes amid the state-wide Yudh Nasheyan Virudh (War Against Drugs), a campaign intensified by the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government after AAP's defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections in February. On March 1, the state government set up a five-member cabinet committee to monitor the crackdown, with the CM himself holding high-level meetings and directing the police to take coordinated, aggressive action. As part of the campaign, drug hotspots are being mapped, supply chains dismantled, traffickers arrested, and the properties of peddlers bulldozed. Both CM Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav have publicly committed to curbing the menace by May 31. In Ghumandgarh, the village's zero-tolerance policy includes blocking outsiders with 'suspicious credentials' from settling in. Youth are engaged through regular sports—cricket matches nearly every week—and cultural events such as dastar-bandi competitions. 'You won't find a single youth hooked to drugs. The number of them playing practise matches in our playground every evening is proof,' said Manpreet Singh, a resident. The infrastructure speaks: a smart elementary and senior secondary school, a stadium with facilities for five games, an Ayushman Arogya Kendra, veterinary clinic, panchayat ghar and a cooperative society. Public announcements from the village gurdwara spread awareness and flag any suspicious activity. Manpreet, who commutes to Kharar for work daily, said, 'Outside, I see substance abuse everywhere. But coming back to my village each evening feels like returning to an oasis.' No police case — or even a brawl — has been reported in Ghumandgarh in 30 years, said Palwinder, adding that even during the ongoing campaign, police found zero cases of drug addiction. 'That's why we've been declared nasha-mukt. We'll now apply for the Rs 1 lakh grant announced by the CM,' said Palwinder. Owing allegiance to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, he added, 'We decide unanimously to go with the ruling party — it helps get grants.' The grant, he said, will fund a gym and parks. 'We've also sought funds for roads that are in a bad shape.' Navpreet Kaur, a panchayat member, said CCTV cameras have been installed across the village. 'We access them from our phones. If anyone looks suspicious, the sarpanch immediately tells them to return. These attempts have reduced lately. Each panchayat member is assigned a ward to monitor. It's a 24×7 tirade to protect our youth,' she said. The only shortfall is in the number of sports coaches. 'We've hired some from Fatehgarh Sahib city, but it's not enough. We pay them from panchayat funds collected by leasing land. If more coaches come, we can produce athletes. We already have a 400m track,' Palwinder added. The momentum is visible in neighbouring villages too. In Harlalpur, 30 km away, a religious campaign led by woman sarpanch Harjinder Kaur Cheema encourages school children to frequent the gurdwara. 'We create awareness and ask them to stay away from drugs,' said Harjinder, who performs gurbani with other women every afternoon. Her husband, Ranjit Singh Cheema, said youths are asked to perform sewa at the gurdwara every evening to keep them occupied. 'There is a lot of fear of the law now. We get to see our SHO every now and then. IG HS Bhullar and SSP Shubham Aggarwal have also visited us. Peddlers are afraid and drugs are not being sold now,' he said, adding that 50 youths from the village have migrated abroad. Yet, the campaign is not without reminders of its limits. Near Bhajan Singh's house, a pall of silence hangs. His nephew has taken to chitta. 'He has been in a bad shape. I took him to Fatehgarh Sahib hospital. He's on pills now. I don't know what will happen,' he said. Another youth, now deprived of his fix, collapsed from withdrawal and had to be hospitalised. 'He's also on medication,' said Bhajan. In Unchha Jatana village near Khanna, lambardar Bhupinder Singh said police had directed locals not to shelter peddlers fleeing raids. 'They're on the run now. We guard the village round the clock.' Sarpanch Pawanpreet Singh said village heads are part of WhatsApp groups with local MLAs and DSPs. 'Surveys are conducted daily. We've been told to report addicts immediately or face questioning. So we stay alert. We can say we are chitta-mukt but not nasha-mukt yet. Some of our elderly are still on bhukki and opium. The drive is ongoing, the police are vigilant, and panchayats are on their toes. We may not eliminate drugs completely, but if we continue this level of vigilance, we can save our future generations,' he said. AAP has claimed that in its three-year tenure, 6,500 major drug traffickers have been arrested, over 30,000 NDPS cases registered, 10,000 police personnel involved in trafficking transferred, and 100 police officers arrested. The government has also exhorted panchayats to declare themselves drug-free to claim the Rs 1 lakh reward. However, Amrik Singh, a resident of Unchha Jatana, echoed a deeper concern: 'The bulldozing of properties has instilled huge fear. That has helped. But the real mission will be to employ our youth. Many with MA degrees are earning Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 per month. They didn't study this much to earn this. That frustration can become dangerous.' As May 31 approaches, the date by which the state government has vowed to make visible gains, villages like Ghumandgarh and Harlalpur are showing that community ownership—when backed by state action—can lay the foundation for lasting change. But the challenge, say many, lies beyond enforcement. It's in the promise of opportunity.
