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New Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
CM Revanth Reddy launches EAGLE to keep hawk's eye on drugs
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday announced the formation of the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) to replace the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau, stating that the new entity will intensify surveillance and enforcement against drug-related activities. Speaking at a programme to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at Shilpakala Vedika, Revanth said, 'Telangana has begun efforts to curb drugs and ganja. Even if one ganja plant is grown or drugs are brought into the state, EAGLE will monitor it. Be cautious.' He reiterated his aim of making Telangana a drug-free state, asserting that no drugs would be allowed to enter its borders. 'From Komaram Bheem to Chakali Ilamma, Doddi Komuraiah and Sarvai Papanna, many have inspired the people through various movements. Universities and colleges once served as platforms for the statehood struggle. Now, the state is facing a different challenge. We must ask ourselves if Telangana becoming a hub of ganja is a matter of self-respect or shame,' Revanth said. CM: No progress as long as drugs rule the roost The chief minister disclosed that soon after assuming office, he instructed officials to take strict action against drugs. Referring to India's performance at the Olympics, he said: 'A country with a population of 140 crore not winning a single gold medal, is that not an embarrassment? Can a country where drug use is widespread progress?' Revanth pointed out that states such as Punjab and Haryana were already facing severe drug-related challenges. 'Youth in those states have become addicted and families are suffering. Punjabis once led from the front in wars and the Freedom Movement, but the situation has changed,' he said.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Educational institutes accountable for drug abuse on campus: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy; calls for crackdown near colleges, cites ganja chocolates menace
On Int'l Day against drug abuse, CM Revanth & senior govt and police officials vow to ensure T remains drug-free. Actors Ram Charan, Vijay Deverakonda join movement Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday said that educational institutions would be held accountable and made co-accused if campuses are misused as breeding grounds for drug abuse. The chief minister made the statement at an event marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The event was attended by more than 1,000 students from across the city. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad 'I instruct the chief secretary and collectors to hold a meeting with managements of educational institutions to give an orientation and remind them of their responsibilites. They will be made accountable if anyone misuses their campus for drug abuse,' Revanth said. In his speech, he asked managements of the institutes to keep a tab on kirana stores close to campuses as there have been instances of sale of ganja chocolates. 'If they come across such cases, they should inform the police who will take action,' he said. In his speech, Revanth said Telangana has a reputation for its rich history of revolutionary activities, and hence youth should be protected and the drug menace should be kept in check. 'The people of Punjab are known for playing a dominant role in waging wars for our country. But today, it is known for drug menace and its human resources were weakened by making them addicted to drugs,' Revanth said. Revanth urged the students to take inspiration from Tollywood actors Ram Charan Tej and Vijay Deverakonda, who were part of the event. 'I have watched Ram Charan grow up. He brought pride to the country by winning an Oscar,' Revanth said. TGANB (now EAGLE) director Sandeep Shandilya said the state's efficient machinery is doing its best to eliminate the drug menace. DGP Jitender said conversations and discussions will go a long way in helping end drug consumption amongst the youth.
Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Fight Against Drugs: Revanth asks schools, colleges to be vigilant
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday warned educational institutions that cases would be booked against them if drugs were found in their premises. The CM announced that the state's Anti-Narcotics Bureau would henceforth be known as Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) and was tasked with curbing the menace of narcotics in the state. Speaking at an event marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 at Shilpakala Vedika here, Reddy placed an onus on educational institutions to ensure their campuses were free of drugs. 'It is the responsibility of school and college managements which take lakhs of rupees from parents, to monitor students. Parents entrust the responsibility of their children to them. Hence, they can't act irresponsibly while accepting huge fees from parents. I order DGP and anti-narcotics officials that cases be booked against the managements of educational institutes if drugs were found in their premises,' he said. The Chief Minister also suggested that educational institutions should engage professional child psychologists to monitor 'behavioral changes' among students. Since children spend most of their time in educational institutions, the school and college authorities should keep a tab on them, he said. He also urged students to immediately report to authorities in case they find drugs in the premises of their schools or colleges. He instructed the Chief Secretary and other senior officials to hold meetings with the managements of schools and colleges to reinforce their responsibilities. Telangana, known for people's struggles, cannot become a hub of narcotics, he added. While launching EAGLE, the renamed version of Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB), on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that EAGLE would ensure that Telangana would become a drugs-free state. 'The EAGLE will keep a close eye on the movement of cannabis and drugs in the state. For a drug-free Telangana, I want everyone to work together with the government. We can control drugs only if we all are vigilant,' he said. Telugu film actors Ram Charan and Vijay Devarakonda, badminton chief national coach Pullela Gopichand, state DGP Jitender and others attended the event. Praising Ram Charan and Vijay Devarakonda for their hard work and dedication in the film industry, the Chief Minister said youth should be inspired by the real-life story of the actors and not the roles they play in films. Ram Charan, who also spoke at the event, appealed to the audience, largely comprising youth, to work hard and lead a life of happiness and not fall prey to narcotics.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Telangana CM Revanth calls for united fight against drug abuse, launches EAGLE task force
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday (June 26, 2025) cautioned against the growing drug menace in the State, calling on citizens, institutions and youth to take collective responsibility in eradicating the threat. Speaking at a programme held at Shilpakala Vedika, the Chief Minister announced the launch of Telangana Anti Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) as a special enforcement unit called EAGLE, which stands for Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement. He said EAGLE will be tasked with identifying and destroying ganja cultivation in Telangana and intercepting trafficking activities at State borders. He added that the unit will have the tools and freedom to act wherever needed. The Chief Minister said Telangana has a proud history as the land of movements and struggle and recalled how the region produced heroes who fought against the Nizams and Razakars, and said it was unacceptable for the youth of such a land to fall victim to drugs. He questioned whether Telangana, known for its fighting spirit, should now remain silent while drugs enter schools and colleges. Mr. Revanth Reddy said that as soon as the Congress government came to power, it made it clear that there would be zero tolerance for drugs in Telangana. 'Enemy nations are using various strategies to weaken India, and one of those is spreading drug addiction. Sixty-eight per cent of India's population is youth and India is the only country in the world with such a large young population. It is the responsibility of the State to ensure that its youth do not become weak or directionless,' said the Chief Minister. He added that the previous governments had no clear sports policy, but his administration introduced one immediately after taking office. A skills university has also been set up to train and prepare young people for the future. The Chief Minister spoke of his own journey from Nallamala to the post of ZPTC and now Chief Minister, adding that actor Vijay Deverakonda also came from the same region. He said such achievements require determination and hard work, not shortcuts through harmful paths like drug use. Mr. Revanth Reddy warned educational institutions that the responsibility for monitoring student behaviour and keeping campuses free from drugs lies with the management. He said no school or college can ignore anti-social activities and negligence will not be tolerated. He added that vigilance is key and only through collective alertness can drugs be kept out of the State. He urged the youth to become heroes by excelling in education and sports, not by falling into addiction and promised special opportunities for sportspersons, not just in employment but also in politics. The Chief Minister concluded by urging everyone to join hands in protecting the future of Telangana. He said the State must not become a base for drugs and should instead be an example to the world as a land of progress, youth power and responsible governance.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Will root out narcotics with an iron hand, asserts Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has vowed to take stringent action against drug peddlers, consumers, and all those involved in the illegal drug trade, asserting that the government is committed to eliminating the menace of narcotics. Speaking at the walkathon organised by the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) in Guntur on Thursday to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Mr. Naidu said drug addiction 'is not just a law and order problem but a societal threat' that needed to be rooted out. Addressing a large gathering of students, parents, and the general public, Mr. Naidu urged people to say 'no' to drugs. 'We are committed to ensuring 100% law and order. Drones and CCTV surveillance are being used effectively to prevent crime,' he said. WhatsApp number On the occasion, he launched a dedicated WhatsApp number '897781972' and a toll-free helpline '1972' brought by EAGLE. Criticising the previous YSRCP government, Mr. Naidu said during its tenure, the State had witnessed a surge in ganja cultivation, especially in the Visakhapatnam Agency, which was turned into a hub for drug production. He accused former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of failing to act against drug culture. 'Mr. Jagan had visited a ganja batch in Tenali. Politicians should be role models,' Mr. Naidu said. Expressing concern over the psychological impact of drug use, he said addicts often exhibited criminal behaviour, including sexual assaults. He announced the establishment of world-class de-addiction centres in all the three regions of the State, and assured that in a year, the drug menace would be significantly curtailed. Drawing parallels between the State's current development agenda and the IT boom in Hyderabad during his previous tenure, he said, 'Back then, we spoke about IT in Hyderabad. Now, we are envisioning a Quantum Valley in Amaravati. But our efforts will go in vain if our youth fall a prey to drug addiction,' he cautioned. He reiterated the government's commitment to the Super Six promises, and criticized the previous regime for burdening the State with ₹10 lakh crore debt. Inspector General of Police and EAGLE head Ake Ravi Krishna said 15 accused involved in drug trafficking and abuse had been arrested and jailed in recent operations. ' Strict action will continue against those involved in drug-related offences,' he warned. Prathipadu MLA Burla Ramanjaneyulu accused the YSRCP regime of turning the State into the 'ganja capital', and praised Mr. Naidu for adopting zero tolerance towards drugs. Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar and several Ministers from the State participated.
