Latest news with #Jatti
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.
