Himachal Women's Anti-Drugs Patrol Faces Backlash After Detaining 3 Men in Misguided Sting
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A courageous group of women in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district are facing a police complaint for allegedly detaining three men during their night patrol against the heroin trade. The women, part of the Laghat Mahila Mandal, had been patrolling the streets to prevent the spread of 'chitta', a highly addictive and lethal opioid. The incident occurred on December 22, when the women stopped three men they suspected of peddling drugs. However, police found no evidence of drug possession. One of the men, Suresh Mahajan, filed a complaint against the women, alleging they roughed him up and shot a video of the incident, which is now circulating online. Head of the Laghat Mahila Mandal, Pinky Sharma, condemned the police complaint, saying it is demotivating their efforts to fight the drug menace. Sharma emphasized that their aim is to apprehend drug traffickers and keep the village safe. Bilaspur Superintendent of Police Sandeep Dhawal acknowledged the women's efforts against drug abuse but stressed that 'no one should take the law into their own hands.' Dhawal advised that anyone receiving information about suspicious activity should immediately inform the police. The Himachal Pradesh government has launched a state-wide drive against the drug menace, with police, panchayats, and local communities joining forces to combat the spread of drugs. 'Chitta' has become a major concern in the state, with high profit margins leading to a surge in its trade, often involving students. According to experts, 'chitta' is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from heroin, highly addictive, and lethal. Overdose can be fatal. The police have warned that the drug costs between ₹4,000 and ₹6,000 per gram, making it a lucrative trade for traffickers. The Laghat Mahila Mandal's anti-drugs campaign has sparked debate, with some hailing their efforts as commendable and others criticizing their methods. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and the women's determination to fight the drug menace remains unwavering.
