Dharamshala: The Himachal Pradesh government has taken stringent action under its ongoing ‘Chitta-Free Himachal’ campaign, dismissing 11 police personnel found to be involved in cases linked to chitta (heroin). Among those removed from service is a head constable driver posted with the Indian Reserve Police (IRP) Sakoh battalion. The move is being seen as a clear reiteration of the state’s zero-tolerance policy against drug-related offences, particularly within law enforcement.
A Zero-Tolerance Message From the Government
According to official sources, the decision followed a detailed review of multiple cases in which the concerned police personnel were found to be involved in either the consumption of narcotics, their procurement and sale, or links with drug trafficking networks. The government has underlined that no leniency can be shown when those entrusted with enforcing the law are themselves found violating it.
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The Palampur Raid That Triggered Action
The action stems from a key incident dated March 16, 2025, when Palampur police, acting on a tip-off, conducted a raid at a rented house in the Tanda (Rajpur) area. During the search, 12 grams of heroin were recovered from beneath a bed inside the premises. Several individuals present at the location were taken into custody, including a head constable driver posted with the Sakoh battalion.
Investigations revealed that the premises were not only being used for drug consumption but were also linked to the buying and selling of heroin. In connection with the case, a total of seven persons, including the house owner, were arrested. The presence of a serving police personnel among the accused, along with civilians and a government department driver, raised serious concerns within the administration.
Departmental Inquiry and Dismissal
Following the incident, the concerned police personnel was immediately placed under suspension and a departmental inquiry was initiated. During the course of the inquiry, it emerged that he was allegedly addicted to narcotics. Officials noted that on the day of his arrest, he had left his battalion without authorisation and failed to return within the stipulated time.
As part of due process, the suspended personnel was served notices and given an opportunity to present his defence. However, no satisfactory explanation was submitted during the inquiry. Based on available evidence and the findings of the departmental investigation, the competent authority approved his dismissal from service.
Wider Sweep Within the Police Force
Government sources said that similar serious allegations were established in the cases of the other dismissed police personnel as well. These included drug consumption, involvement in suspicious activities and links with narcotics trafficking networks. The state government has indicated that strict action will continue under the campaign, with no exceptions based on rank or position.
Credibility, Discipline and the Drug War
Officials emphasised that achieving the objective of a drug-free Himachal requires not only action against external traffickers but also a firm approach towards internal vulnerabilities within the system. “The fight against drugs cannot succeed unless enforcement agencies themselves maintain the highest standards of integrity and discipline,” a senior official said.
The dismissals have triggered widespread discussion within the police establishment, with the administration hoping the action will serve as a deterrent. Authorities believe the move will strengthen internal discipline and lend renewed credibility to the state’s ongoing anti-drug drive.
Campaign to Continue, Government Says
The government has reiterated that the ‘Chitta-Free Himachal’ drive will continue with sustained enforcement, monitoring and accountability, as part of its broader effort to curb the spread of narcotics and restore public trust in institutions tasked with upholding the law.
