Bilaspur: This is one silent reform that promises to bring sanity back into many lives across Chhattisgarh. There are stories that will compel you to admire the transformative impact - be it of Niranjan Sahu of Taktapur who switched to selling sugarcane juice from trading in illegal liquor or Shivani of Torwa who now runs a small shop after making a shift from narcotics trade that led her to frequent police encounters. 

Nijat Abhiyan, a campaign to free people from clutches of drugs and alcohol, being run by Bilaspur Police in the state, is inspiring people to rebuild their lives. It has gained huge public supports. The involvement of various sections of society has made it as a mass movement against addiction.

The Nijat Abhiyan has been instrumental in providing relief from addiction to numerous individuals. Under the guidance of IGP Badri Meena and Superintendent of Police Santosh Singh, the campaign, initiated on the orders of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, incorporates various measures such as stringent law enforcement, extensive awareness programs, and support for those struggling with substance abuse. 

International organizations like UNICEF and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have also joined forces, collaborating with institutions and all segments of society, including children.

“Over the past five months, the campaign has yielded significant results. Overall IPC crimes have witnessed a 12% decline compared to the same period in previous years. Specific crimes have also seen notable reductions, including a 12% decrease in assault cases, a 66% drop in attempted murders, a 21% decrease in murder incidents, a 74% decline in knife-related crimes, a 46% decrease in harassment cases, and a 21% reduction in thefts,” informs Singh, who is known for his citizen-centric and innovative policing methods. 

Singh has been recognized for his efforts towards reforms, and has been conferred with prestigious American IACP Award 2022 in the ‘Leadership in Crime Prevention’ category for his campaign against drugs. This campaign was recognised as one of the thirty best smart policing works by BPR&D, Ministry of Home Affairs. Mr Singh has also run this program successfully during his previous postings in Korea, Rajnandgaon and Korba districts.

During the five-month duration of the campaign, 2,579 individuals were arrested in NDPS and excise cases (137 in NDPS and 2,442 in excise). Authorities have successfully seized substantial quantities of illicit substances, such as 4,804 liters of illicit liquor, 640 kilograms of cannabis, 15 grams of heroin, 10,000 injections, 879 bottles of cough syrup, 953 Bonfix tablets, 5 grams of MDMA, and other narcotics. The relentless efforts of the station in-charges, under the supervision of CSP and SDOP, have instilled fear among criminals, making public places less safe for drug users.

In addition, 185 cases were filed under the Motor Vehicles Act against 825 individuals caught driving under the influence of alcohol. The impounded vehicles were presented before the court, where each offender had to pay a fine of ten thousand rupees. Furthermore, under the COTPA Act, 568 operations led to the seizure of flavored tobacco, hookahs, pipe coals, and related items.

“The campaign has placed significant emphasis on raising awareness about substance abuse. A total of 1,906 awareness programs have been conducted in schools, colleges, and public spaces. Additionally, counseling sessions for individuals struggling with substance abuse have been provided at the police station level,” adds Singh.

Overall, the Nijat Abhiyan has made a substantial difference in the lives of people in both urban and rural areas of the district. Through impactful awareness programs and stricter control over the narcotics trade, the availability of addictive substances has decreased, preventing many individuals from succumbing to dangerous addictions. Countless stories of transformation and recovery have emerged as a result of this campaign.