Punjab HC takes suo motu notice after villagers write ‘Heroin Sold Openly Here’ on walls in Bathinda’s Maur Kalan
PTC Web Desk: In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of a widely publicised incident from Bathinda’s Maur Kalan village, where distressed residents painted messages on walls alleging open sale of heroin in the area. The court has issued a notice to the Punjab Government, seeking a detailed response on the action taken against rampant drug trafficking in the region.
The issue came to light after village residents, frustrated with the unchecked sale of narcotics, wrote messages such as “Chitta is sold openly here” on walls, often marking arrows toward the houses of alleged drug peddlers. According to locals, the situation had worsened to such an extent that many youths had fallen prey to addiction, with several families losing young members to suspected overdose.
Villagers said heroin had devastated multiple households. Girls were becoming widows at a young age. Women were running their homes alone while their sons were dying. Some villagers also accused district authorities and police of failing to curb drug trafficking despite continuous complaints.
Following the villagers’ wall writings, a police team reached the village and painted over the messages. Maur DSP Kuldeep Singh said the police had been taking regular action. He said in this village alone, they had registered 23 NDPS Act cases this year. Since March 1, they had arrested 43 persons from the village.
However, residents alleged that drug peddlers frequently resumed illegal activities soon after securing bail.
Taking note of the situation, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has now sought a status report from the Punjab Government on what measures are being taken to curb the drug menace in Maur Kalan and nearby areas. The state has been directed to present its response and an action-taken report during the next hearing on December 22.
- PTC NEWS
