Kerala’s Excise Minister, M.B. Rajesh, addressing the media in Thiruvananthapuram, expressed alarm over the sharp increase in violent incidents, particularly among young people, noting the severity of the situation has reached “horrific limits.” Rajesh identified the widespread abuse of drugs, alongside mental health issues, as primary contributors to the troubling trend.
Highlighting the government’s efforts, Rajesh underscored the active role being played by enforcement agencies, pointing out that over 24,000 arrests related to narcotics cases were made across Kerala in 2024 alone. He also claimed a remarkable conviction rate of 98%, the highest nationwide. According to Rajesh, intelligence from Kerala’s agencies even led to successful operations outside the state, including a major narcotics seizure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The minister urged collective action, stressing that beyond governmental intervention, society—including parents, educators, and the film industry—must participate actively in combating the drug crisis. Rajesh called upon opposition leaders not to politicize the issue, encouraging cooperation rather than confrontation. He also appealed to Members of Parliament from Kerala to advocate for amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, particularly regarding the definition of commercial drug quantities.
Meanwhile, in Kochi, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan acknowledged the troubling increase in violent acts, but strongly criticized the government for its alleged failure in addressing drug trafficking and abuse. Satheesan countered Minister Rajesh's claims of effective enforcement, arguing that the authorities were only targeting small-time drug consumers rather than tackling larger supply networks.
He alleged that drug-related violence in Kerala was unprecedented, describing a worrying situation where narcotics are easily accessible and drug parties occur frequently. Satheesan went further, accusing the Left government of indirectly supporting criminal activities through “political patronage,” thus facilitating the unchecked spread of narcotics.
The opposition leader dismissed suggestions that the UDF was politicizing the issue, maintaining instead that their criticism was aimed solely at highlighting the government's inability to control the drug menace effectively.
The escalating debate highlights Kerala's urgent need for comprehensive measures and bipartisan collaboration to address the intertwined issues of drug abuse and growing societal violence.
Last updated by a enewsx:
