UP: Joven muere después de un asalto; familia bloquea la carretera exigiendo acción en Mirzapur

Speakers at a recent awareness programme in Anantapur highlighted the growing issue of drug abuse among young people, urging greater vigilance and community involvement in preventing substance misuse. Organized by the NSS Unit-II of JNTUA College of Engineering, the event took place on Tuesday under the theme “Stop Drugs, Save Lives” as part of the national campaign “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.” The programme aimed to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse, enhance their understanding of legal frameworks related to narcotics, and promote healthier lifestyle choices. The event was hosted at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and coordinated by K. Kalyani Radha, an associate professor in the department and the coordinator of NSS Unit-II. During the session, B. Hanumanthu, a sub-inspector of police and chief resource person for EAGLE (Narcotics), presented a detailed analysis of the current challenges posed by drug abuse among youth. He outlined the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, emphasizing the legal repercussions of drug-related offenses and the critical role of law enforcement in curbing drug trafficking. Hanumanthu urged students to avoid addictive substances, remain alert, and contribute to the broader goal of creating a drug-free society. Dr. Viswanatha Reddy, a neurologist and counselor, further elaborated on the multifaceted impact of drug addiction on individuals and communities. He discussed how substance abuse can impair cognitive functions, damage mental health, hinder academic progress, strain personal relationships, and limit future opportunities. Emphasizing the need for early intervention, counseling, and preventive measures, Dr. Reddy encouraged students to embrace healthy habits and make informed decisions that align with long-term well-being. Kalyani Radha, the programme coordinator, reiterated the significance of the National Service Scheme (NSS) in fostering responsible and socially conscious citizens. She noted that achieving a drug-free society requires collective efforts from educational institutions, families, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and the wider community. Her remarks underscored the necessity of a holistic approach to address the root causes of drug abuse and build resilient, supportive environments for youth. Meanwhile, in Mirzapur, a separate incident involving a young man’s tragic death has sparked public concern over safety and justice. A 20-year-old named Shivmohan reportedly suffered severe injuries during an alleged assault on July 12. According to police reports, Shivmohan was approached by Amit Kesharwani, who offered him ₹200 to assist in identifying water sources on a hill. The two went on an excursion to the Shivala Ghat area, but upon returning, Shivmohan was attacked near Deorahwa Baba Ashram and left unconscious by the roadside. Local residents noticed the injured man and alerted authorities, leading to his transfer to a community health center before being taken to a private hospital in Varanasi, where he passed away on July 20. Following his death, Shivmohan’s family suspected foul play and placed his body on the road, blocking traffic as they demanded a thorough investigation and action against the perpetrators. Circle Officer Ajit Singh intervened, persuading the protesters to disband the blockade and facilitating the post-mortem examination. A case has since been filed under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 3 of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act based on the family’s complaint. These two incidents, one focused on drug abuse education and the other on a violent crime, reflect ongoing societal challenges that require urgent attention. While the awareness programme in Anantapur aims to empower youth through knowledge and community engagement, the tragedy in Mirzapur highlights the need for stronger legal protections and swift judicial responses to ensure justice for victims and deter future crimes. Both cases serve as reminders of the complex interplay between individual actions, systemic failures, and the broader socio-economic conditions that influence such outcomes.