Railway tracks near Ludhiana station a safe haven for addicts, alcoholics

Jaswant Shetra

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Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 16

The railway tracks near Ludhiana railway station are turning out to be a safe haven for the drug addicts and alcoholics. The drug addicts and alcoholics can often be spotted consuming drugs and alcohol near the railway tracks. Some of these people also risk their lives by falling unconscious near railway tracks after consuming liquor or taking drugs.

During a visit to the railway tracks, it was found that people were found consuming liquor besides the railway tracks at some places. The drug addicts can also be seen puffing weed near the railway tracks. The practice is more common during the evening hours, but at some places, the practice begins in the morning. Such people can be often spotted beside railway tracks near Damoria Bridge, Jagraon Bridge, Lakkar Bridge and some other places.

According to sources, most of the drug addicts and alcoholics are beggars who beg money from the passengers outside the railway station. “These people earn some money by begging or by picking plastic bottles thrown by the passengers near the tracks and in trains. They buy liquor or drugs out of the money these people earn,” sources said.

Some of these people also include people living in nearby slum areas. “Generally, the Government Railway Police (GRP) personals patrol the railway station premises, but there is little checking on the railway tracks. Therefore, the tracks near the station are proving to be a safe haven for such people,” added the sources.

It was also learnt that people buy liquor being illegally sold in some localities located alongside the railway tracks. Some of these people are also involved in anti social activities such as snatching.

ASI Sarabjit Singh of Ludhiana GRP said he was not aware of the problem. He added that GRP personals would increase vigil on the railway tracks to check this problem.