Bhatti Mines: DCW busts illicit drugs, liquor trade

Ananya Panda

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 22

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson, Swati Maliwal on Sunday questioned the “accountability” of the Delhi Police after illicit drugs and liquor racket was busted by the commission with the help of an NGO, Shrishti, in the Bhatti Mines area of Delhi.

The illegal drug and liquor consumption poses a big threat to safety of women and girls in Bhatti located in Southern outskirts of the city. Besides, at homes they result in domestic violence. What is worse is the police turning a blind eye to the problem despite locals’ approaching it over the issue.

DCW has received several complaints from locals regarding this illegal trade and inaction of police on the matter, which came to light through the DCW's "Mahila Panchayat" programme.

A resident said, “The illegal trade has been going on in Bhatti Mines for several years. The women and girls living there are extremely disturbed due to this. Throughout day and night, drunk men create nuisance on the streets and many times beat up their wives at home.”The locals said a large number of men and boys are addicted to drugs in Bhatti Mines, an urban village.

Following the complaints, a joint team, led by the NGO and volunteers of the Mahila Panchayat programme, accompanied by the police carried out surprise inspections in the area. In one house, the team caught bottles of illegal liquor and packets of drugs which were confiscated by the police, said an official.

An FIR under relevant sections has been registered in the Fatehpur Beri Police Station yesterday and two people have been arrested.

“If the DCW and local women can take risk and fight drug mafia, why cannot police take action against criminals on their own? Why cannot the police take action on its own?” asked Maliwal.

Pointing out at deterioration of Delhi’s law and order situation, the DCW chief said, “The Delhi Police has failed to curb the illegal liquor and drugs trade... sadly children are getting addicted. I feel accountability of the police as well as their resources need to be strengthened.”

In the capital, drug and liquor mafias continue to thrive and areas such as Madangir, Mehrauli, Dakshinpuri, Sangam Vihar and Okhla, among others, are the hubs of the sale of the illicit products in the city.