Several youngsters in Fatehabad district have broken free from years of drug addiction and are rebuilding their lives, bringing renewed hope to families devastated by substance abuse. Their recovery stories have emerged under a special police-led initiative that focuses on helping, not punishing, addicted youth.

The campaign, launched as part of Operation Jeevan Jyoti under Superintendent of Police Siddhant Jain, has shifted the district’s approach to addiction. “Youth struggling with addiction are not criminals. With the right support, they can rebuild their lives,” Jain said.

Baljeet Singh, once dependent on medical drugs and ‘chitta’ (heroin) for six years, suffered severe weakness in his hands and legs. His financially strained family was pushed further into despair as his condition worsened. Today, Baljeet earns around Rs 500 a day working as a waiter and has regained his dignity and his family’s respect.

Rohtash Kumar spent three years in addiction, losing his education, job prospects and close friendships. His father’s death deepened his emotional turmoil. After receiving support through the police-backed programme, Rohtash has quit drugs, taken over his late father’s business and rebuilt trust within his family.

Sajan Kumar began using drugs at just 16, hiding injection syringes in bushes to avoid being caught. Years of substance abuse damaged his health, and he lost his closest friend to addiction. Now clean, Sajan is determined to live differently. “I don’t want to die like my friend. I want a good life,” he said.

Another young man from Tamaspura had become addicted to injectable painkillers, leading to infections in his hands and legs. His family had nearly given up on him. With medical treatment, counselling and emotional support under Operation Jeevan Jyoti, he is now preparing to return to work.

Jain said the initiative is rooted in empathy rather than enforcement. “Our aim is not just to treat addiction medically, but to give these youth a sense of belonging, trust and confidence,” he said. “When families see their children recover, it restores hope for the entire community.”