Daijiworld Media Network - Madhepura
Madhepura, Oct 19: A panchayat in Bihar’s Madhepura district has decided to impose a social fine of Rs 25,000 on anyone caught consuming or selling intoxicating substances as part of an initiative to make the village drug-free.
Residents of Sahugarh panchayat in Madhepura Sadar block have also resolved not to help secure bail for family members arrested in drug-related cases. Instead, they have pledged to cooperate with the police and support investigations into the illegal sale and consumption of intoxicants.
The decisions were taken at a meeting held on October 17 on the premises of a local school. The meeting was chaired by panchayat head Mukesh Kumar and attended by elected representatives, former panchayat heads, BJP Madhepura district president Deepak Kumar and a large number of local residents.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over the spread of intoxicants and drug trafficking in the Kosi region, which includes Madhepura, Saharsa and Supaul districts. Residents said discussions alone would not be sufficient to tackle the problem and stressed the need for collective action to curb substance abuse and the illegal trade.
Under the resolution, anyone found violating the village's anti-drug pledge would face a social penalty of Rs 25,000. The authorities would also be informed so that appropriate action could be taken under the law.
Deepak Kumar said the residents had unanimously resolved to prevent the consumption and sale of all kinds of intoxicating substances within the panchayat.
The participants signed a written pledge, known as a 'Sankalp Patra', committing themselves to the campaign. The document was signed by panchayat representatives and hundreds of villagers, according to reports.
Santosh Rai, one of the participants, stressed that merely discussing the drug problem would not bring about a solution and that the entire village needed to unite to tackle the menace.
Mukesh Kumar said making the panchayat free of intoxicants was not the responsibility of any one individual but a collective duty requiring the participation of every resident.
The villagers hope that the proposed social penalty and community pressure will discourage both consumers and sellers from engaging in drug-related activities.
However, the legal basis and enforceability of the proposed social fine and the resolution discouraging families from arranging bail remain unclear. Bail decisions and criminal proceedings are governed by applicable law and judicial processes, and the panchayat's resolution does not replace those procedures.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Kosi range Kumar Ashish has intensified efforts against drug trafficking and substance abuse through the 'Nasha Mukt Kosi Abhiyan' (Drug-Free Kosi Campaign).
The campaign covers Madhepura, Saharsa and Supaul districts and encourages public participation in identifying drug trafficking networks and the illegal liquor trade.
According to a report published on October 10, the campaign resulted in the seizure of more than 1,275 litres of illicit liquor, around 283 kg of ganja, 187.66 grams of smack, illegal cough syrup and intoxicating injections between October 3 and 9. Police also arrested 105 people during the week-long crackdown.
The campaign aims to strengthen enforcement against drug trafficking through public cooperation and coordinated police action across the region.