Badsar MLA Inderdutt Lakhanpal Calls ‘Chitta’ a Societal Poison; Asserts Even a Son Involved in Trafficking Should Face Full Force of Law
Vishal Rana, Hamirpur
In a hard-hitting statement, Badsar MLA Inderdutt Lakhanpal declared drug smuggling, particularly of synthetic drug ‘chitta’ (heroin), as the most lethal crime against society and asserted that anyone involved—even if it were his own son or a relative—must face the strictest punishment under the law.
Launching a scathing attack on the narcotics trade that is “destroying the youth and hollowing the foundations of society,” the legislator ruled out any leniency or protection for offenders. His remarks come amid rising public concern over drug-related arrests and subsequent releases in the region.
Lakhanpal pointedly questioned the circumstances under which a recently apprehended accused, caught with chitta, was swiftly released. “The police-administration must give a clear, factual, and public answer to the media and the people regarding the basis and conditions of the accused’s release. There should be no room for any doubt,” he stated.
He further demanded that criminal cases be registered not only against traffickers but also against those who provide protection, facilitate bail, or exert pressure to shield the accused. “No parent, officer, or public representative wants their child trapped in addiction. But if anyone is found involved in this crime, action must be direct and stringent against the accused, without dragging in relationships or names,” Lakhanpal clarified.
The MLA also trained his guns on the role of the Hamirpur Superintendent of Police (SP), criticizing the “unfortunate” act of allegedly highlighting the accused youth’s connections to him during a press conference. “As the district police chief, the SP should introspect on his own department’s procedures, the fairness of investigations, and the speed of action before pointing fingers at others,” he said.
He categorically denied any personal or familial links to the drug trade and warned that defaming public representatives or staging superficial actions would not solve the drug menace. “This requires an honest, tough, and sustained fight on the ground,” he emphasized.
Calling for a systemic overhaul, Lakhanpal stressed that uprooting the supply chain is the only way to rid the state of this social curse. “The administration must work free from political pressure, and every section of society must become an active participant in this battle,” he concluded, framing the issue as a collective existential fight for Himachal’s future.