Book those involved in drug supply under Goonda Act: Home Minister tells cops

Hubballi, Oct 2: Expressing concern over the increasing narcotic drug menace, Deputy Chief Minister G. Prameshwara, who also holds the Home portfolio, has directed the police to initiate stern action against those involved in supplying narcotic drugs.

Speaking after inaugurating the police staff and officers quarters here on Monday, Dr. Parameshwara said that the culprits involved in narcotic drug business need to be booked under the Goonda Act and made to undergo punishment. The police were aware of the spots where narcotic drugs are sold. The Commissionerate should take action to curb the narcotic drug menace in the city within three-four months.

This apart, awareness programmes for college students should be organised on a large scale. Documentaries should be screened and awareness talks should be held once in a month in colleges. The government is committed to putting an end to the narcotic drug menace that was playing havoc with the lives of youngsters, he said.

About providing quality housing for policemen, he said that a project to construct 11,000 residential quarters at the cost of ₹ 1,818 crore is under way. As many as 8,000 houses have been constructed so far and this project would continue, he said.

The Minister inaugurated 144 staff and six officers quarters on the occasion. Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner M.N. Nagaraj and Deputy Commissioner M. Deepa and others were present.

Later, inaugurating the newly constructed press conference hall at the Press Club, Dr. Parameshwara said that despite allegations of commercialisation, the media was playing a key role in sensitising the government about the issues haunting society and the people. Politicians and officials have to take criticism in the media in a sportive manner. The role of the media was most crucial in bringing in transformation in society. Therefore, this field is expected to function with maximum vigilance, care and transparency, he said.

Dr. Parameshwara announced donating two computers to the Press Club in his personal capacity on this occasion. MLC Pradeep Shettar announced ₹ 2 lakh for setting up a gym at the Press Club.

Hubballi-Dharwad Central MLA Jagadish Shettar, MLC Basavaraj Horatti, Mayor Sudhir Saraf, donor and entrepreneur C.S.V. Prasad and others were present.