AJAY KUMAR UPADHYAY
Bilaspur: The incident at Laghat near Barmana on December 22, where members of a local women’s group questioned youths allegedly involved in drug use, has now escalated into a major political controversy in Bilaspur district. The Bilaspur Sadar unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly objected to the action taken by Barmana police, demanding strict action against the officers responsible and the immediate withdrawal of cases registered against the women under various legal provisions.
Addressing a press conference, Bilaspur Sadar BJP MLA Trilok Jamwal termed the registration of FIRs against the women’s group “deeply unfortunate and unjust.” He warned that if the cases are not withdrawn immediately, the BJP will launch a protest on December 30, holding the police department and district administration fully responsible for the fallout.
Jamwal questioned the contradiction in the state government’s approach, stating that while the Congress government is organizing large anti-drug awareness walkathons, women who are actively fighting drug abuse at the grassroots level are being booked under stringent sections, including provisions of the NDPS Act carrying severe punishment. He alleged that the FIR was registered at the behest of individuals who are themselves involved in drug addiction and claimed that a fair and thorough investigation should have preceded any legal action.
Praising the courage and unity of the Laghat women’s group, Jamwal said these women are working selflessly to protect the future of the younger generation by standing up against drug abuse in their area. He demanded that the government honor such women, as earlier announced by the Chief Minister, instead of harassing them through police action. As a mark of support, Jamwal announced a personal reward of Rs 20,000 for the women’s group for their bravery.
He also questioned a notice issued by the Bilaspur College principal related to student participation in an anti-drug awareness walk, calling for clarity and consistency in the administration’s stance on the anti-drug campaign.
Municipal Council President Kamal Gautam, along with leaders Divyesh Chandel, Subhash, Chaman Gupta and Sanjeev Dogra, were present and echoed the demand for justice, asserting that penalizing vigilant citizens sends a wrong message in the fight against drugs.