In an order dated October 6, the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) stated that it was “dismayed by slipshod investigation and lackadaisical efforts” in cases pertaining to minors using inhalants, but the recent actions were a “ray of hope”.
In October alone, the North-West district comprising 14 police stations registered seven cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested nine persons, apprehended juveniles — a record of which is not maintained.
Aggressive drive
Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-West) Aslam Khan, who was appreciated in the order, confirmed its receipt and said that the drive became aggressive this month after teams working on criminal cases were informed of usage of inhalants by minors, especially in Bhalswa Dairy, Swaroop Nagar and Jahangirpuri.
“We have started apprehending minors using inhalants and cheaper drugs. They are questioned at length to ascertain the identity of those who supply the drugs to them. They are then arrested,” Ms. Khan also said.
A senior police officer said that cases of people using inhalants and cheaper drugs are not considered as ones worth getting registered because of the ratio of Investigating Officer per case, which is approximately 1:100.
This was an observation made by the JJB in its order, which stated that “mere registration of FIRs is not sufficient to redress the issue. Lack of simple yet effective measures [giving adequate protection and assurance to Children in Conflict with Law who are willing to testify against these rogues] under re conspicuous in their absence while investigating FIR under Section 77 of the JJ Act”. The Section provides for punishment to anyone giving intoxicating liquor/drugs to children by treating thinners, whiteners, correction fluids, vulcanising solutions/ sulochans as “intoxicating liquor”.
According to the data sought by The Hindu , a total of 31 FIRs have been registered in North-West district in 2018 so far, as opposed to 8 in 2017. Also, a total of 37 persons have been arrested under section 77 of the JJ Act as opposed to 10 arrests last year
Ms. Khan said that she has strengthened the district’s Anti-Narcotic Squad which earlier had five officers and now is deployed with 11 officers, including three senior-rank officers.
“We are also planning to rope in a few NGOs, which can carry out awareness campaigns,” she said.
