‘Public support needed to tackle social evils’

Residents of the Civil Lines area, along with students and their parents, raised concerns over the proliferation of hookah bars and the easy access to intoxicants during a community-police interaction held at Madhav Vidya Niketan School in the posh Ranjit Avenue locality on Monday.

Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, along with other senior police officials, was present at the interaction organised under the ‘Operation Sampark’ campaign of Punjab Police.

Speaking on the occasion, the Police Commissioner underscored the importance of public cooperation in tackling social evils. “The public is the eyes, ears, and hands of the police. Without their support, it is impossible to eliminate social evils, including the rampant drug menace,” he said.

Residents alleged that several hookah bars in Ranjit Avenue operate openly, shutting down only during police raids before resuming business soon after. Demanding strict action, they urged police officials to ensure that minors are barred from entry. Taking note of the complaints, the Police Commissioner directed his team to initiate immediate action.

Parents and students also flagged the easy availability of gutka, cigarettes and other intoxicants. Bhullar clarified that while certain items are not completely banned, strict action would be taken if minors were found consuming them. He assured that the issue would be taken up with the Deputy Commissioner and the district administration.

Highlighting the state’s anti-drug campaign, Bhullar cited the “War Against Drugs” initiative launched last year, under which large quantities of narcotics were seized and traffickers were arrested. He also promoted the Punjab Government’s “Seva Punjab” initiative, urging citizens to report drug-related activities via the helpline 97797-00200, while assuring strict confidentiality of complainants’ identities.

Senior officials, including DCP Alam Vijay, ADCP Shrinavela, ACP Gagandeep Singh, and Inspector Robin Hans, were present, along with school staff.