Laxman Singh says drug menace leading to rapes in MP
State Congress vice-president and former member of parliament (MP) Laxman Singh has blamed the increasing use of drugs for the increase in number of rapes in Madhya Pradesh.
Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) vice-president Laxman Singh has blamed the increasing use of drugs for the rise in number of rapes in Madhya Pradesh.
Talking to media on Wednesday, the former MP said the narcotic business is growing by leaps and bounds in the state.
"The situation is such that even children in the age group of 10-12 are getting addicted to drugs," the Congress leader said, holding the 'nexus' between the policemen and politicians responsible for the growth in drug trade.
Singh said he would reveal the names involved in the nexus later and added that there was hardly any action taken if an accused was caught. “Even if the drug-traffickers are caught, they aren't convicted, as the case isn't put up properly.
This gives rise to flourishing drug trade in the state, and under its influence, youths are involved in crimes, especially rapes," the Congress leader said. He cited a recent incident of rape and murder of a minor near Raghogarh to describe how "the police were trying to protect the suspects."
"The policemen were asking the girl's father to sign on a blank paper. Only when we got to know about the incident that the police arrested the culprit," he said. The drug menace, Singh said, is no longer confined to Mandsaur and Neemuch, but has spread to Chambal and Vindhya regions.
"In villages, you can find drug addicts everywhere. Students outside schools and colleges are buying and consuming drugs," he said, announcing the Congress' plan to launch a statewide awareness campaign. "We will also use social media to spread our message," Singh said.
The Congress leader alleged involvement of drug mafia in booth capturing in the recently held assembly by-elections.
"The drug lobby has become too strong in the state. All the development will come to a naught if the situation continues," he added.