MBBS doctor from Moga held in drug supply case
The Baijnath police have arrested an MBBS doctor from Moga, Punjab, for his alleged involvement in supplying chitta (heroin) to Kangra district. The accused, a 2024 graduate of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Chamba, is currently serving in Punjab.
DSP Baijnath Anil Sharma informed the media that the case unfolded after police arrested a Nepali resident in Baijnath with 6 gram of chitta. During interrogation, the accused revealed that a rickshaw-puller from Moga had supplied him with the contraband. A police team from Baijnath was dispatched to Moga, where the rickshaw-puller was arrested. Further investigation led to the shocking revelation that a doctor from Moga was the main supplier. All three accused are now in police custody, and further investigation is underway.
The Himachal Pradesh Government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has intensified its crackdown on drug traffickers. Increased surveillance and raids have been conducted in Kangra, Shimla, Nurpur, Solan and other districts. However, chitta suppliers remain active in many rural areas, targeting unemployed youth to become drug handlers.
A senior police officer told The Tribune that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. Authorities and community members emphasise the need for greater awareness and education to combat this menace. The officer also highlighted that the drug trade in Himachal Pradesh is connected to supply chains from Punjab, which shares a long border with the state.
Despite ongoing efforts, the drug crisis remains a major concern, with a significant number of young people, including school students, falling prey to addiction. Limited police resources and manpower shortages have hindered the effectiveness of the anti-chitta campaign. Shockingly, police stations across the state continue to operate with the same staff strength as 25 years ago, despite a rise in population and crime rates. The state government has yet to take steps to increase the police force.
Despite these challenges, many communities have joined hands with law enforcement to curb the drug menace. Several panchayats have stepped forward to support the police in their fight against chitta. The people of Himachal Pradesh remain determined to protect the younger generation from the devastating impact of drugs.
