Overview
- Congress held rallies in Tharad and Patan and submitted representations to district collectors backing Jignesh Mevani and demanding immediate action on narcotics and illicit liquor.
- The party called for Special Anti-Narcotics Cell raids in Vav-Tharad and Banaskantha within 15 days, NDPS cases against peddlers, Prohibition Act enforcement, patrols near schools, and monthly awareness drives by local officials.
- The push follows protests by families of police personnel in Palanpur, Patan and Tharad, with some traders shutting shops while saying Mevani’s concerns were valid but his remarks toward officers were unacceptable.
- Gujarat Congress leaders allege drugs worth about Rs 16,000 crore were seized over four years with no masterminds identified, and claim frequent hauls at Mundra Port without owners or handlers being named.
- State DGP Vikas Sahay told personnel that lapses would be addressed administratively and that outsider allegations need not be tolerated, prompting Mevani to publicly urge a crackdown on drug and alcohol networks.