Hyderabad, February 17 – Hyderabad police arrested three young men on Tuesday for allegedly offering narcotic substances as an offering to Lord Shiva on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.
The Charminar Zone Task Force police responded immediately after Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar posted on social media about a video made by the three young men.
The accused from Jangammet in Falaknuma were handed over to the Falaknuma police for further action.
Two of the accused were identified as Sri Charan and Vijay Krishna.
Sajjanar told the young men that likes and views on social media would not protect them. "These are merely fleeting pleasures. But the punishment imposed by the law will haunt you for a lifetime. Don't ruin your bright future by falling prey to the frenzy of social media," he said.
Earlier, the Police Commissioner had posted about the video circulating on social media.
Sajjanar had warned that strict action would be taken against young men who made a video, in which they were displaying drugs as an offering to a deity.
"Showing drugs in front of God? Would you risk everything to become famous?" asked the Commissioner.
"Mahashivaratri is a testament to devotion... a step towards salvation. On this most sacred festival, showing drugs in the name of divine grace is the most heinous act. It is a perverse madness," he posted.
Sajjanar said that this is a serious crime that will put them behind bars. "Once the NDPS Act is invoked...You will have to repent for the rest of your life," he said.
He advised the young men not to sacrifice their bright future for likes and views that give momentary pleasure.
"We will not ignore such acts. Strict legal action will be taken against those responsible. Make social media a platform for your creativity, not a gateway to addictions," he added.
Hours after the Commissioner's post, police took action to arrest the three young men.