Capt orders probe into all recent drug-related deaths

CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday ordered a probe into the recent spate of drug-related deaths in the state and directed officials to take action against the culprits.

The CM was interacting with a group of social activists, who called on him at his official residence to discuss the problem. The activists, included addict-turned-crusader who had recently launched ‘Black Week against Drugs’ on the social media to create awareness about the problem.

The group comprised Dr Bhupinder Singh, Hakam Singh, Baltej Pannu and Baljinder Singh (Mintoo), a reformed drug addict. The CM said he would hold a meeting at 3 pm every Monday to review the progress of the fight against drug menace.

The activists suggested formation of committees, consisting of 10-15 youth each, in villages to identify drug addicts. They expressed concern over the ‘deep nexus’ between drug dealers and police personnel, especially at the SI and ASI levels.

State health Mohindra was also present at the meeting. The CM asked him to talk to private hospitals for reservation of some beds for addicts.

Meanwhile, confusion prevails over number of deaths due to alleged drug overdose. While cabinet minister Tript Rajinder

Singh Bajwa quoted the number of deaths in June alone as 30, his colleague Brahm Mohindra said the figure was 2. Mohindra, had in the cabinet meeting on Monday, said there was no evidence to support that the deaths were caused by drug overdose. “Who will determine if there was an

overdose? And overdose of what? Only an FIR and postmortem of the deceased can establish the cause of death. But the families of victims do not want to disclose drugs as cause of death. We have ordered chemical examination of the drugs being used,” Mohindra told HT.