Dismantle drug network
In the largest drug seizure in the state’s history, the crime branch on Tuesday arrested three people in possession of 4.32 kg of cocaine valued at Rs 43.20 crore. This bust comes just weeks after the crime branch dismantled a hydroponic cannabis racket worth 11.67 crore. It must be said that the amount of drugs being confiscated is increasing with every seizure. Goa is slowly but surely becoming a vital conduit for drug trade. However, the worst part is that the contraband was camouflaged in coffee, chocolate and wafer packets and was meant to be sold locally in Goa. According to the police, the sophisticated packaging and method of concealment suggest possible international links. This modus operandi could lead to drugs being available near educational institutions including schools and colleges which could go undetected. Chocolates and wafer packets are easily available at shops and kiosks near educational institutions. It must be said that the earlier young people start using drugs, the greater their chances of continuing to use them and become addicted later in life. The state government should accept that drug abuse around educational institutions is a grave problem and take necessary steps to dismantle the drug channel.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Don’t flout forest rules
Ten days back two employees of the forest department in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh were suspended. The ‘crime’ of the duo – a driver and a forest guard – was that they had offered water on a plate to a thirsty cheetah and her four cubs. The animals had ventured into a village field away from Kuno National Park and resting under a tree. Instead of patting their backs or at least letting them off with a stern warning, the forest department suspended them for breach of protocol and dereliction of duties. Ironically, another news report on the same day reported an alleged private event inside Ranthambore Fort located within the critical tiger habitat of Ranthambore tiger reserve in Rajasthan. Over 10 vehicles carrying influential people and fitted with loud music system made their way to the fort to party. The state Agriculture Minister confronted and accused the forest officials of colluding with the individuals and disregarded the rules. Should not the officials be suspended? Do the forest rules change from state to state?
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
Praiseworthy step
The Telangana government’s decision to divide scheduled castes (SCs) into three categories is a step in the right direction. It must be remembered that the Supreme Court had pronounced a verdict in August 2024 permitting such a classification. Admittedly, there are great disparities within the SC community itself. True, a few groups in the SC community have been able to access government benefits and the other groups are sidelined. The Telangana government has divided the SC community into three groups and each group consists of sub-castes. This is done to ensure that the most disadvantaged in the SCs are not left behind. The other states must take a leaf out of Telangana government’s book. While the categorisation is a step towards social justice, a lot of other things remain to be done for the well-being of the SCs. Education is the best way to uplift the community. It must be made accessible to all people in the community.
Venu GS, Kollam
Choksi checkmated
The arrest of the fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi in Belgium, an accused in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case marks a significant victory for Indian investigating agencies. However, the job is still incomplete. India should up the ante for his extradition where he must stand trial for the massive financial fraud he committed along with his nephew Nirav Modi. Both fraudsters fled India before details of the colossal fraud became public. Nirav was arrested in Britain in 2019 but has managed to stall his extradition so far on one pretext or the other. Belgium must do everything within its right to extradite a fugitive who has looted India’s public funds. The Indian government has claimed that the amount involved in bank frauds has dropped appreciably in the past few years, thanks to steps such as the setting up of an online Central Fraud Registry.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
On forensic education
The application of scientific principles to criminal cases is of great significance because it contributes immensely towards timely justice. The abysmal conviction rates in criminal cases need to be corrected, and foolproof collection of evidence, its interpretation and reporting cannot be stressed more. DNA match test, fingerprint collection and analysis, and toxicology are extremely important for a forensic scientist as well as the court of law. Apart from MD in forensic medicine, there are several Master of Science (MSc) courses that impart knowledge to students. The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) is in the forefront of forensic training offering MSc in different branches of forensic science. India has NFSU campuses in nine Indian cities and an international campus in Uganda.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
