Drug overdose death sparks stir in Kullu

A large-scale protest rally was organised today at Luhri in Kullu district to address the rising menace of drug abuse, particularly the trafficking of heroin. The rally was sparked by the death of a 24-year-old youth from an alleged overdose of heroin on Tuesday.

The event saw the participation of hundreds of locals, including Ani MLA Lokender Kumar, former MLA and CITU leader Rakesh Singha and Vinod Thakur, head of the Baihna Panchayat, who led the rally. The demonstrators demanded immediate action against drug traffickers and crack down on the spread of drugs in the region.

According to the locals, for over three hours, Luhri market remained shut, and the Sainj-Ani-Aut National Highway 305 was blocked, with exceptions made only for emergency vehicles like ambulances. Protesters raised slogans denouncing drug smugglers and the local police administration, demanding that those responsible for trafficking of heroin in Luhri, Ani, Nithar, Dalash and surrounding areas be swiftly apprehended.

Addressing the gathering, Vinod Thakur expressed his grief over the death of the youth and emphasised that the rally marked the beginning of a strong movement against drugs. “This loss of life must not go in vain,” he said.

Ani MLA Lokender Kumar criticised the police for their failure to act against the alleged open sale of heroin in various areas of the Ani constituency. He called for the enactment of strict laws that would impose non-bailable charges even for possession of a small quantity of drugs.

Former MLA Rakesh Singha also participated in the rally, urging the government to increase vigilance in regions like Luhri, Jagtakhana and Sunni, where drug abuse has surged due to their strategic locations at the junctions of two districts.

Local leaders like Satpal Thakur, former Block Congress Committee General Secretary, and Padam Prabhakar of CITU, also addressed the gathering. Educator Surender Verma raised concerns about the lack of parental supervision.

The police had arrested Guddu Ram, a resident of Luhri, who is allegedly a key supplier of drugs in the area. Guddu Ram has been remanded to police custody for five days. Additionally, authorities have already attached his property worth Rs 83 lakh.

The protest was triggered by the death of a youth, Rahul, who reportedly died after consuming drugs with two other young men. Rahul's mother filed a complaint, suspecting that her son's death was caused by an overdose of heroin.