Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Jun 24: The QR code initiative launched by the Udupi district police in public places to curb the illegal sale of drugs and cigarettes has received a positive response from the public. So far, the police have received about 193 reports from anonymous citizens scanning the code, informed Udupi superintendent of police (SP) Hariram Shankar.
He was speaking while presiding over the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' (Drug-Free India Campaign) organized by the Udupi police sub-division at the Ammanni Ramanna Shetty Hall here on Tuesday.
Positive impact on drug control Based on the reports generated through the QR codes, several cases have been registered, and many drug peddlers have been arrested. Additionally, rehabilitation has been provided to individuals in need. As a result of these strict measures, the open consumption of drugs in Udupi has significantly decreased, the SP noted.
"Enemy nations are using drugs as a powerful weapon to attack India. By spreading addiction among our youth, they aim to enslave them. Drug addiction is a massive problem for the individual, their surroundings, and the entire country. We must create awareness and stay away from such dangerous habits," he cautioned.
'Addiction traps youth early'
Psychiatrist Dr P V Bhandari addressed the gathering, stating that children in India often start falling prey to bad habits by the age of 13. "Earlier, kings used to rule us, but now 'Pan-king' (gutkha), smoking, and drinking are ruling us. Driven by misconceptions, teenagers get trapped in this web and find it impossible to escape. Therefore, utmost caution is required," he stressed.
Dr G S Chandrashekar, medical director of Adarsha Hospital, Udupi, observed that the educated are falling victim to drug addiction more than the uneducated. "It is tragic that even young girls are increasingly getting attracted to these habits and destroying their lives. Drug abuse is a severe social evil and a major hurdle to the nation's development. It is our collective social responsibility to ensure our youth do not become slaves to this menace," he added.
Confidential reporting encouraged
Reiterating the safety of the reporting system, SP Hariram Shankar urged the public to act fearlessly. "Anyone can scan the QR code to inform the police about the sale and consumption of ganja or other drugs. The identity of the informant will be kept strictly confidential. Students should bravely use these QR codes to save vulnerable individuals from falling into the drug racket."
Prior to the stage programme, a campaign rally was flagged off in front of the Board High School in the city.
Social worker Nithyananda Volakadu and Udupi DySP Belliyappa were present on the dais. Udupi town police inspector Mahesh Prasad welcomed the gathering, while Malpe circle inspector Ramachandra Nayak proposed the vote of thanks. Town station head constable Surendra compered the programme.