Times of trouble

Even as one is not sure whether Hyderabad is justifying the global city tag or not but what is certain is that it is gradually earning a dubious distinction for cultivating a most dastardly social evil. The developments of the past weeks in particular are sending dangerous signals all around, much to the dismay of aggrieved guardians and all those craving for a cleaner society.

Addiction of any kind is fatalistic by nature and if the same catches up with GenNext then it calls for immediate attention and implementation of remedial measures to nip it in the bud and ensure that societal well-being does not take a deadly body-blow.

What is tragic about the drug mafia’s penetration into Hyderabad and neighbouring regions is that it is being propped up by people who are celebrities from tinsel town, industry captains and officials enjoying extraordinary powers.

Abhishek Chaubey’s controversial crime-thriller, Udta Punjab gives a peep into the Punjab that had become the drug capital of the country. Shades of the same are being witnessed in this part of the country, which has often prided itself as a ‘happening’ city.

It has been established beyond any doubt that some elements from Tollywood have gone beyond heroin, LSD and brown sugar. They get a kick after taking scorpion stings and snake bites on their tongue. Belonging to elitist sections and having proximity to corridors of power is making it easy for them to procure their ‘doses’ from Bangkok and other cities where such substances are ‘available’ aplenty.

Cartels and mafia are finding it rather easy to smuggle such ‘needs’ and deliver at the doorsteps of the ‘customers’. What is loathsome is that rave partying students are now craving for the bigger kicks. All they need is to establish ‘contacts’ to get their stress-busters!

This is where the government of the day needs to rise to the occasion and ensure that the free-flow of such substances is eradicated, once and for all. It needs the powers that be to go about the cleansing job with an iron hand. The drug culture is already taking a heavy toll of the families.

A SIT probe is a good starting point but will it suffice is the million-dollar question? Rather than being happy by those disclosing voluntarily, the authorities ought to trace the actual culprits and nail them. Film personalities coming forward to share details will not be an end to the sordid developments.

An upright officer like Akun Sabharwal is an ideal choice for spearheading the mission to trap every drug-peddler. But he needs to be given a free hand to handle the murky goings on lest the entire exercise ends up as a sham with the rich and powerful, the villains-of-the-piece, getting away with murder.

Moreover, he needs the support of every person in society, including elders and educational institutions. The citizens should join forces and try to reduce the impact of the dreaded menace, though putting it out completely may not be possible in the immediate future.