DRUG-FREE TELANGANA IS A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY CITIZEN

 On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Government of Telangana, in association with EAGLE and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, organized a large-scale awareness programme at Shilpakala Vedika, Hyderabad, to reaffirm its commitment towards building a Drug-Free Telangana.

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, DGP Dr. C.V. Anand, Principal secretary women & child welfare smt. Anitha Ramchandran, EAGLE Director Sandeep Shandilya,  film personalities Ram Pothineni and Meenakshi Chaudhary, international gymnast Aruna Budda Reddy, senior government officials, police officers, students and dignitaries participated in the programme.

Addressing the gathering, EAGLE Director Sandeep Shandilya said the Telangana Government has established the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) as one of the country's best anti-drug enforcement units. He stated that the government has equipped the force with advanced vehicles and drug detection equipment and has been extending full support in combating drug trafficking. He added that EAGLE has conducted extensive awareness campaigns across the state, identified 822 students involved in drug-related cases during 2024 and counselled around 600 drug users, emphasizing that awareness, counselling and rehabilitation are as important as strict enforcement.

Minister Ponnam Prabhakar described drug addiction as a serious social evil threatening the future of youth and urged every citizen to become a "soldier" in the government's fight against drugs. He appealed to society to support rehabilitation efforts and encouraged young people to stay away from narcotic substances and actively participate in anti-drug awareness campaigns.

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka reaffirmed the government's commitment to eliminating drugs from Telangana, stating that there is no place for narcotic drugs in the state. He said the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, has adopted a comprehensive strategy combining strict enforcement with large-scale public awareness. He stressed that educational institutions, parents, teachers, public representatives and celebrities must work together to protect youth from drug abuse and promote positive social transformation.

 Bhatti Vikramarka appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Telangana Police and the EAGLE Force in combating the drug menace. He said the police are working with unwavering commitment, courage and a strong sense of responsibility to safeguard society from the harmful effects of drugs. He commended the EAGLE Force for earning recognition at the national level through its effective enforcement, awareness initiatives and relentless fight against drug trafficking, assuring the government's continued support in achieving a Drug-Free Telangana.

Actor Ram Pothineni, actress Meenakshi Chaudhary and international gymnast Aruna Budda Reddy also appealed to youth to stay away from drugs and adopt a disciplined, healthy lifestyle.During the programme, winners of anti-drug awareness competitions were presented with prizes and certificates by the dignitaries. The event concluded with all participants taking the pledge to say "No to Drugs" and work together to build a healthy, safe and Drug-Free Telangana.

Major Police Reshuffle Aims to Strengthen Field-Level Supervision

It was a significant day of transfers and postings in the Telangana Police, with the Director General of Police (DGP) issuing orders for the placement of newly promoted Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), around 20 non-cadre Superintendents of Police (SPs).Several IPS officers were also transferred by the government. 

The exercise followed a detailed review carried out over the past few days to strengthen field-level supervision and improve the administrative structure of the police force. The DGP observed that the supervisory role of Zonal Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) had gradually diminished over the past few years, resulting in a wider gap between the units and the DGP Headquarters. This, in turn, had affected regular mentoring, guidance and oversight of district policing.

To address the issue, and with the approval of the Government, the DGP reintroduced the Zonal DIG supervisory mechanism by assigning additional charge of these responsibilities to DIG-rank officers already serving in other assignments. The arrangement has been made in view of the acute shortage of senior officers and is expected to restore closer supervision, strengthen coordination and provide better guidance to field units across the State. 

36 Circle Inspectors Promoted as Deputy Superintendents of Police

 Thirty-six Circle Inspectors (CIs) who were recently promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy.SPs) have been posted to various districts and police units across Telangana. The posting orders were handed over during a formal ceremony attended by Director General of Police (DGP) Shri C.V. Anand, IPS, DG  (Law & Order) Shri Mahesh Bhagwat, IPS, and other senior police officers.

Congratulating the newly promoted officers, DGP C.V. Anand said that a promotion is not merely a higher rank but a greater responsibility that demands professionalism, integrity, and dedicated public service. He urged the officers to uphold the trust reposed in them by the Telangana Police and discharge their duties with honesty, discipline, and unwavering commitment.

The DGP emphasized that, as senior field officers, Dy. SPs play a vital role in maintaining law and order, preventing crime, ensuring effective policing, and building public confidence in the police force. He advised the officers to remain accessible to the public, respond promptly to citizens' grievances, and ensure that justice is delivered in a transparent, fair, and lawful manner.

Highlighting the importance of leadership, Shri Anand stated that every decision taken by a DSP should strengthen public trust and reflect the core values of the police department. He called upon the officers to lead their teams by example, maintain high ethical standards, and work closely with the community to create a safe and secure environment.

The DGP further stressed that protecting the lives, property, and rights of citizens is the foremost responsibility of every police officer. He encouraged the newly promoted DSPs to perform their duties with dedication, courage, and compassion while adhering to the highest standards of professionalism.

Drugs: A threat to Nation's progress

My article today in Eenadu newspaper on the threat of Narcotics and Drugs to our Nation on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This is the most imminent threat to each and everyone of us and we need to be serious in protecting ourselves and our children.

Attended the 52nd PRAGATI meeting chaired by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, alongside Telangana Chief Secretary Shri K. Ramakrishna Rao and senior officials from across the state and Centre. Apart from several infrastructure projects , the Hon’ble PM focused on cyber crimes and digital arrest frauds.His direction was clear that Central agencies, State Governments, law enforcement, banks, and digital platforms must operate as one coordinated force against cyber-enabled crime.

Key directions from today's meeting are :

1. Strengthening prevention, reporting, and investigation mechanisms for cybercrime

2. Accelerating complaint resolution and ensuring prompt support to victims

3. Implementing e-Zero FIR and Zero FIR for faster registration of cyber complaints

4. Launching sustained public awareness campaigns to protect citizens from digital arrest scams.

Telangana Police is way ahead of other states in the battle against cyber crime . It is ready to lead this effort on the ground. If you or anyone you know receives a suspicious call threatening "digital arrest" do not panic, do not pay.Recognise that it is a cyber fraudster and report immediately on Cybercrime Helpline 1930.