Vij trains guns on drug trade, kicks off ‘Operation Prahar’

Geetanjali Gayatri
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 19

Five days into his new job and Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij has trained his guns on the growing drug menace in the state, listing it as his priority. He announced “Operation Prahar” to fight the menace.

With the entire police top brass in attendance, Vij, in his inimitable style, spelt out his priorities during the first review meeting of the Police Department at the Police Headquarters in Panchkula on Tuesday.

“Based on the information, the police are launching an all-out attack on the drug menace. ‘Operation Prahar’ will take off in 24 hours. We will raid hideouts, cut supply lines and nab those guilty. If the existing jails lack space to house those on the other side of law, we will construct more jails. Nobody will be spared. I want the state to be drug-free,” he said, adding the sale of illicit liquor and psychotropic substances, gambling, and “satta” would also be targeted.

He said he had been flooded with complaints since he assumed the charge of the Home Department. “My inbox, residence and office have been constantly receiving letters of grievances.”

Also on his agenda is clearing the pendency of cases. “The cops must fall in line. I have told them that every complainant must get justice. Any laxity in dealing with a particular case, be prepared to face action,” Vij said.

Aware of the “fear factor” associated with him, Vij, known for conducting surprise raids, said things would begin to fall in place now that he had taken charge (of the Police Department). “Some call me Babaji. With me at the helm, people can expect to see the changes they want in the Police Department. Anil Vij aa gaya hai. Ab sab theek raheyga,” he said.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Navraj Sandhu and DGP Manoj Yadava were also present at the press meet.

If Vij cracked the whip by announcing action against those found wanting in discharging their duty, he also underlined the hardships police personnel go through while on duty. “A police welfare committee will be formed to address the concerns of the cops. I have seen officers working on empty stomach.”

He further said, “Cops on duty will be delivered food. Facilities at police stations will be upgraded and houses near cities will be constructed even if it entails buying land.”

Referring to a popular television serial “CID”, the Home Minister said he wanted a state-of-the-art police station on the lines of the one shown in the serial.

“The police have to name the technology and equipment they need, and it will be made available right away,” he said, adding he was satisfied with the working of the department after an exhaustive review meeting.

He announced that the “Dial 100” programme would be launched in six months.