Strict action under zero-tolerance policy as Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu orders dismissal under NDPS Act provisions for involvement in the Chitta trade in Himachal.
The Himachal Pradesh government on Monday dismissed 11 police personnel for their alleged involvement in the chitta trade in Himachal Pradesh, invoking Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution, in what officials described as one of the toughest actions taken against drug-linked misconduct within the force.
Presiding over a high-level meeting in Shimla, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the action reflected the State Government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs, especially when those entrusted with enforcing the law are found violating it.
The dismissed personnel were booked under provisions of the NDPS Act after investigations established their alleged links to the chitta trade in Himachal Pradesh, officials said. The Chief Minister asserted that no rank, position or department would shield anyone involved in drug trafficking, reiterating that accountability within the police force was non-negotiable.
“No one is above the law. Anyone promoting or participating in the illegal trade of chitta will face the strictest action, irrespective of rank or designation,” the Chief Minister said, sending a strong message across government departments.
Officials Named in Dismissal Order
According to official records, those dismissed include Inspector Neeraj Kumar of the 1st Indian Reserve Battalion, Bangarh; Constable Shubham Thakur (Bilaspur district); Constable Kapil (3rd IRB, Pandoh); Constable Shiv Kumar (SDRF); Constable Lakshya Chauhan (Shimla District Police); Constable/Driver Vishal Thakur (SV & ACB); Constable Gaurav Verma (4th IRB, Jungleberry); Constable/Driver Sandeep Rana (2nd IRB, Sakoh); Constable Ankush Kumar (SDRF); Constable Rajat Chandel (State CID); and Constable Rahul Verma (Shimla District Police).
All were allegedly involved in cases registered under the NDPS Act.
Crackdown on Chitta Trade in Himachal Pradesh
The Chief Minister directed all departments to prepare detailed reports on government employees suspected of involvement in the chitta trade in Himachal Pradesh and submit them to the Chief Secretary without delay. He also ordered the identification and reporting of properties acquired through drug money, indicating further action under financial and criminal statutes.
Rewards Announced for Drug Intelligence
Officials highlighted that the government has approved attractive cash rewards for actionable intelligence against chitta syndicates. Informers can receive ₹10,000 for recoveries up to two grams, ₹25,000 for five grams, ₹50,000 for 25 grams, ₹5 lakh for one kilogram, and ₹10 lakh for seizures exceeding one kilogram. Information leading to the exposure of major drug syndicates may attract rewards exceeding ₹5 lakh.
Police Briefing and Senior Presence
Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari presented a detailed briefing on ongoing enforcement measures and recent successes against drug networks in the state.
The meeting was attended by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Advocate General Anup Rattan, and other senior officials.
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