Latest news with #GopinathJatti
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- The Hindu
DIG calls for strengthening security at police stations in ASR district
Visakha Range Deputy Inspector General Gopinath Jatti has directed the officials to strengthen the security at police stations in the view of the recent Maoist encounters in the region. Participating in a review meeting with the police officials at Paderu in Alluri Sitharama Raju district on Friday, Mr. Jatti stressed the need to gather intelligence on Maoist activities, conduct extensive vehicle checks, and ensure that the police personnel remain alert and take all necessary precautions. He asked the officials to focus on ganja cases, particularly arresting absconding accused persons and the drone surveillance in vulnerable areas. He stressed the importance of organising awareness programmes about the harmful effects of substance abuse and cybercrimes. He instructed officials to carry out financial investigations in ganja-related cases and initiate appropriate steps to seize the assets of those involved. Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar, Additional SPs K. Dheeraj, A Jagadeesh were present.
Hans India
27-06-2025
- Hans India
DIG urges youth to stay away from drugs
Vizianagaram: DIG Gopinath Jatti of the Visakhapatnam range urged youth and students to steer clear of drugs and other sedatives. He emphasised the importance of focusing on their studies and careers rather than engaging in poor habits. On Thursday, the police department observed an Anti-Drug Day. Speaking on the occasion, DIG Jatti said that strict action is being taken against those involved in cannabis cultivation. In the past, cannabis was grown on 15,000 acres in the agency areas, but with the help of drone technology, these crops were identified and destroyed. Due to the police's enforcement efforts, cannabis cultivation has now been reduced to just 93 acres in remote hilltop villages. He expressed optimism that steps are being taken to completely eliminate cannabis cultivation in the near future. To date, properties worth Rs 9.20 crore belonging to eight individuals involved in the cannabis trade within the Visakhapatnam Range have been confiscated. District collector Dr BR Ambedkar highlighted that young people are particularly vulnerable to drug habits and emphasized the necessity of awareness programs like this one. He stressed that such initiatives are crucial for bringing youth together and educating them about the dangers associated with drug use. SP Vakul Jindal noted that controlling drug-related issues poses a significant challenge for society. The district police are raising awareness through programs like 'Sankalpam' and mobile awareness vehicles. He emphasised the necessity for everyone to comprehend the destructive impact drugs can have on careers and lives. Jindal said that students' often underestimate the risks of trying drugs even once, not realising how quickly addiction can take hold. Some youth, once addicted, resort to petty thefts due to financial constraints, leading them down a path of criminal behaviour. So far, the district has registered 200 cases, arrested 360 individuals, and seized large quantities of cannabis. History sheets have been created for offenders, and their movements are being closely monitored. He warned that anyone found using, selling, or transporting cannabis will face strict legal action. Prior to the program, a large rally was organized with student participation.
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- The Hindu
Ganja cultivation drops in ASR district as farmers shift to sustainable practices
In a significant development ahead of the 'International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking', which is observed on June 26, Visakha Range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Gopinath Jatti has announced that the ganja cultivation in the Agency areas of Alluri Sitharama Raju district has witnessed a major drop. The DIG attributed the decline to a large-scale transition of farmers to sustainable agricultural practices. Pointing out that ganja used to be cultivated in thousands of acres in the tribal pockets, the DIG said that a recent aerial survey of 14,870 acres in 327 villages identified ganja cultivation in just 93 acres spread across 158 locations in 38 villages. 'These small and scattered ganja crops have also been destroyed, and those involved in its farming have been booked under the NDPS Act,' Mr. Jatti said. Addressing the media on Wednesday, Mr. Jatti said that the police were focussing on three major areas to combat the ganja issue —cultivation, consumption, and transportation. In the last year alone, the DIG said, the administration distributed 4.68 million saplings of 22 species in 10,803.25 acres for rabi season. Around 10,256 farmers from 20 mandals have shifted from ganja farming to sustainable crops. Additionally, 4,496 quintals of rajma seeds were distributed among 35,618 farmers in the areas previously known for ganja cultivation. 'The A.P. Police are also coordinating with the counterparts in Odisha, particularly in Malkangiri district, to monitor and curb the cross-border cultivation of ganja,' Mr. Jatti said. Surveillance and awareness Referring to the consumption aspect, Mr. Jatti said that community-based strategies, including monthly inter-departmental meetings, formation of village-level committees, and awareness campaigns in educational institutions, were being undertaken. Despite these efforts, he admitted that not many people came forward to report about the local drug use. 'Last year, 10,654 awareness campaigns were held in 3,039 educational institutions. The police set up 376 anonymous drop boxes for receiving information about NDPS-related cases. Nineteen drones, along with special NDPS patrols, have been deployed to maintain surveillance on the consumption hotspots,' Mr. Jatti said. checkpoints To curb ganja smuggling, the police have set up 26 checkposts equipped with CCTVs and 289 dynamic checking points across the vulnerable region, he said. Nine trained canine units would help detect cases. Over the past year, police have arrested 25 inter-state and 44 inter-district smuggling gangs, he said. As part of financial crackdowns, the police have attached properties worth ₹9.76 crore belonging to eight accused in cases booked under the NDPS Act, sending a strong message that assets acquired through illicit drug trade would be confiscated.
Hans India
26-06-2025
- Hans India
Police seek people's support to eradicate ganja menace
Visakhapatnam: After taking various measures to curb the Ganja menace, under Visakhapatnam Range jurisdiction, the police now intend to incorporate a 'Brahmastra' to prevent ganja cultivation, transportation and consumption. In line with it, the police intend to include people's participation in tackling the major challenge faced in the erstwhile Visakhapatnam and neighbouring districts. Youngsters are going to play a proactive role not only in creating awareness among masses but also passing the information about peddlers to the police. For the past one year, the Visakhapatnam Range police reached out to 3,000 educational institutions and carried out 11,000 awareness programmes on the implications of ganja menace. Nabbing the peddlers, seizing their properties and encouraging tribals to eradicate ganja cultivation were some of the extensive programmes carried out by the police. However, despite several measures taken for curbing cannabis abuse and transportation, the police mentioned that they were not getting desired results. 'Ganja eradication should go beyond surveillance of the police which includes controlling its transportation, cultivation and consumption. For the past one year, the police booked 694 cases and arrested 1,945 accused persons. In all, 40,063 kg of ganja was seized. However, despite the efforts taken through awareness drives and strict surveillance, results are not that effective,' opined Gopinath Jatti, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Visakhapatnam Range. But the DIG expressed confidence that the eradication of ganja would be more effective when people come forward to tip off and join hands with the police to offer support. This includes passing on information to the police on cultivation of ganja, transportation and consumption. 'The police will also admit drug addicts to deaddiction centres and help them overcome their addiction. But when people volunteer to offer support, the campaign will become even more impactful,' the DIG underlined. Using technology like drones, identifying hotspots and increasing surveillance, the police also intend to seek the support of NGOs to derive desired outcomes in ganja eradication. Reaching out to ganja cultivators, the police are extensively focusing on recommending alternative crops, creating livelihood opportunities to the youth involved in cannabis cultivation and transportation along with making people understand the implications of ganja menace through awareness drives. With people's participation, the DIG informed that the agenda is to eradicate ganja completely in the region.
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Bare borders: A.P. Coastal Security Police left adrift without boats or backing
Just days before the mysterious sinking of Pakistan's submarine PNS Ghazi off Visakhapatnam coast during the India-Pakistan War of 1971, an unusual sighting by local fishermen hinted at secrets lurking beneath the sea — secrets that would soon shape a dramatic chapter in naval history. In the early hours of December 5, 1971, fishermen heading out in their traditional boats spotted a massive black object, shaped like a pointed gourd, rising from the depths near the coast. Frightened and uncertain, they rushed back to shore and reported the strange sight to local authorities. This unexpected encounter became a vital intelligence clue for the Indian Navy, confirming that the elusive Ghazi was operating close to Visakhapatnam's harbour. But that was only the beginning. Soon after, villagers spotted tall, bearded men clad in lungi, speaking Hindi, buying large quantities of provisions, and paying in Indian rupees. Who were these mysterious visitors, and what was their true purpose? Former Naval officers believe the fishermen's first sighting was the submarine surfacing to recharge its batteries, while the second involved enemy crew members secretly restocking supplies ashore. Yet, beneath these accounts lay deeper stories, ones that revealed more than just wartime manoeuvres. Both sightings provided crucial intelligence to the Eastern Naval Command, led by Vice-Admiral N. Krishnan, enabling a coordinated strike based on multiple inputs. While there are various accounts of Ghazi's sinking, the official Indian version credits INS Rajput, an R-class destroyer, with sinking the submarine using depth charges. Role of coastal security Andhra Pradesh's long, porous coastline makes it vulnerable, and the local fishermen community plays a vital role in providing key intelligence to safeguard the coast. Recognising this, securing the shoreline became a national priority. After the 1999 Kargil War, a Union Government ministerial panel was tasked with revamping coastal security. Their solution: every coastal State should have a dedicated special force to patrol and protect its waters. This led to the creation of a three-layered coastal security system. The first layer, from the shoreline up to 12 nautical miles, is managed by the Coastal Security Police (CSP). From 12 to 200 nautical miles — the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) — the Coast Guard takes charge, while beyond that, the Navy operates in international waters, explains Gopinath Jatti, DIG of A.P.'s CSP. In 2005, Andhra Pradesh received its initial allotment: six coastal police stations and 18 fast interceptor crafts (five weighing 12 tonnes and 13 of five tonnes), funded by the Union Government. With about 1,053 km of coastline stretching from Sriharikota in Nellore to HPCL in Visakhapatnam, the State hosts one major port, five non-major or private ports, 595 coastal villages, and 350 fish landing centers, all critical points needing protection. In the second phase, Andhra Pradesh was sanctioned 15 additional coastal police stations, bringing the total to 21, strengthening the State's ability to monitor and secure its vast coastline. Defunct boats, declining security After the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, CSP forces across States like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Odisha received much-needed upgrades. However, Andhra Pradesh has fallen far behind despite its strategically vital installations. All 18 CSP boats in the State have been non-operational since 2018, when the annual maintenance contract (AMC) with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), the boat manufacturer, expired and was not renewed due to its steep cost of around ₹12 crore per year. The sanctioned strength of the CSP is about 1,500 personnel but only just over 500 are currently active. Many coastal police stations are in poor condition, suffering from a lack of proper maintenance and support. A major issue is that the five non-major ports in Andhra Pradesh are privately owned and secured by private agencies, leaving the CSP without any control or accountability. Only the Visakhapatnam Port is secured by the CISF, a Central paramilitary force. The State has about 29 islands, three of which are inhabited, but none have jetties for CSP personnel to effectively patrol or man them. Although the Union government has sanctioned ₹3 crore to build seven jetties, CSP officials say this funding is insufficient. Fresh proposals have been submitted to the Centre requesting increased support. Initiatives taken Despite numerous challenges, the CSP is striving to fulfil its mandate effectively. Speaking to The Hindu, said that with the CSP boats currently non-functional, they have stepped up joint patrolling efforts with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. 'We take up two days of patrolling on naval ships and daily with the Coast Guards. This in one way also betters our seafaring skills,' he said. Another initiative is the adoption of fishing villages — each constable is assigned at least one village, allowing CSP to cover all 595 fishing communities. Explaining this approach, Mr. Jatti said, 'Our main idea is to get close to the community. We have seen in the past that the fishing community plays a vital role in information sharing. Moreover, this also helps us in organising community outreach programmes.' To bolster intelligence-gathering, Mr. Jatti has also launched a Coastal Intelligence Unit, headed by a DSP and staffed with 40 personnel, including inspectors. Its primary role is collecting intelligence from all coastal stakeholders — fishing communities, village inhabitants, trawler pilots and traditional fishermen. 'Post 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the relevance of gathering intelligence inputs from various stakeholders, was recognised and well understood. This unit gathers information not only from the fishing community, but from all inhabitants of the coastal villages, trawler pilots and staff and traditional fishermen. Anything unusual is looked into and logged and shared with other intelligence agencies. This enables us to engage in continuous monitoring and fill lacunae. Moreover, to make people accessible to us, we have launched a toll free number 1093, to enable people to inform us about any happenings, including drowning and missing-at-sea complaints,' he said. Pending proposals A host of crucial proposals is currently awaiting clearance from the State government, that could revive and significantly strengthen the CSP. At the top of the list is the renewal of the annual maintenance contract (AMC) for the 18 Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) built by GRSE. Without this renewal, the already grounded fleet risks becoming completely defunct. Once operational, these FICs, designed for high-speed interception, search-and-rescue missions and anti-smuggling operations, would restore critical muscle to the CSP. So far, the force has cracked 42 cases involving illegal migrants, but their reach is currently limited without boats. To bridge the gap, CSP has proposed hiring 20 private boats for patrolling as an interim solution that would cost the State around ₹6 crore annually. Another proposal seeks to bring technology into play. CSP has requested funding to purchase 27 high-end surveillance drones, with an estimated price tag of ₹25 crore. These drones are expected to have a range of at least 5 km to suit maritime needs. 'Even if high-end drones aren't sanctioned, we have also included a lower-cost option — mid-range drones for ₹10 crore,' said a senior CSP official. To enhance beach patrolling, the force has also sought a few all-terrain vehicles. 'So far, our personnel have saved nearly 95 lives from drowning,' said Yet, the challenges aren't just technological or logistical. Though CSP is a fully recognised wing of the police, its legal powers are limited; it can currently operate under just 18 Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A proposal has been submitted to expand this to at least 50 Sections, enabling officers to act more decisively. Some progress has been made. 'Colour coding of fishing boats is done, and the installation of transponders is under way,' said Mr. Jatti. 'The Centre has sanctioned 3 lakh transponders. We have received 1 lakh, and about 60% have already been installed.' To tighten tracking, work is also under way to set up a centralised information centre. 'We need to know when each fishing boat leaves, who is aboard and when they return. This isn't just surveillance; it is about closing loopholes that traffickers or infiltrators might exploit,' Mr. Jatti explained. But until the pending proposals get the green light, these plans remain aspirations. For a force that guards over 1,000 km of coastline, time is ticking and the system must catch up before vulnerabilities are exploited.
