Satheesan faults government for growing influence of drug rackets

Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan visited the home of Arshad, murdered by a gang, incl. minors. He highlighted the growing influence of drug mafia & accused govt of failing to protect informants & trace sources of narcotic substances. UDF to protest if govt fails to address issue.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan on November 24 visited the house of Karimadom Colony native Arshad who was allegedly murdered by a gang, including minor boys, a few days ago.

The 19-year-old was hacked to death in the incident that had taken place in the colony on November 21. Eight persons, including five juveniles, have been arrested in the case. Arshad’s brother Al Ameen was injured in the attack.

The deceased, who was a prominent anti-drug crusader in the locality, had faced threats from the drug rackets in the past, his family had alleged.

Mr. Satheesan said the tragic incident highlighted the growing influence of the drug mafia in the capital city. He also alleged the possibility of such rackets thriving on political patronage.

He was also critical of the purported failure on the part of enforcement agencies, including the Police and the Excise departments, in providing protection to informants and others who have been part of the struggle to rid the society of the drug menace. The police, he alleged, have remained mute spectators even as history-sheeters intimidate key witnesses from testifying in murder and other criminal cases.

Accusing the government of failing to introduce a mechanism to trace the source of narcotic substances seized in crack downs, Mr. Satheesan said the Opposition had repeatedly raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly. He added the United Democratic Front (UDF) will organise protests if the government fails to address the issue.