Himachal Govt sacks 11 cops for involvement in drug trade

In a move reflecting its zero-tolerance stance on narcotics, the Himachal government on Monday dismissed as many as 11 police personnel from service for alleged involvement in the illicit trade of ‘chitta’ (heroin). Those dismissed include constables and inspector rank personnel.

The dismissals were executed under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India, following involvement of these officers in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. 

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who presided over a high-level meeting in Shimla, said, “The police have a primary responsibility to take strict action against ‘chitta’ and drug suppliers. If police personnel were themselves found involved in drug-related activities, such a stringent action becomes inevitable,” He added that no person involved in drug trafficking or illegal drug trade will be spared and that strict action was being taken against government employees found involved in such activities.

“No one is above the law, and those who will promote the illegal trade of ‘chitta’ and other illegal drugs won’t be spared at any cost, may he or she be of any rank or file,” he said.

The Chief Minister directed all government departments to conduct thorough investigations and submit detailed reports to the Chief Secretary identifying employees involved in ‘chitta’ trafficking and related criminal activities.

Additionally, departments have been instructed to document properties and assets acquired by such employees through proceeds from the drug trade. These reports must be forwarded to the government expeditiously to facilitate further legal action, including potential asset seizure.

To strengthen public participation in the anti-narcotics drive, the State government has activated emergency helpline 112 for reporting chitta-related information, he said, appealing to citizens to come forward without hesitation, assuring them that their cooperation is vital in eliminating the drug menace from the State.