Corruption in uniform reached a boiling point in Himachal Pradesh, culminating in the dismissal of 11 policemen caught in drug trafficking rackets. The government’s bold step comes amid mounting pressure to secure its drug-prone terrains.
These personnel, from various ranks, were pinpointed for actively aiding smugglers transporting contraband from remote valleys to metropolitan hubs. Incriminating proof ranged from CCTV footage of ignored consignments to bank statements revealing sudden wealth spikes.
Launched by the state vigilance wing in collaboration with anti-narcotics units, the inquiry exposed how insiders provided real-time tips on raids and patrol schedules. Districts like Una, Bilaspur, and Sirmaur emerged as focal points of the operation.
Reactions poured in from all quarters. Opposition parties hailed the action but questioned delays in detection, while civil society urged polygraph tests for high-risk postings. The DGP announced mandatory training on ethical policing and AI-based anomaly detection.
Financially, the state estimates losses from compromised enforcement at crores, fueling a parallel economy of addiction devastating rural communities. With tourism as a lifeline, officials worry about reputational damage but see this as a pivotal cleanup.
Looking ahead, Himachal plans community outreach programs and stricter recruitment vetting. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the blurred lines between enforcers and criminals, pushing for a fortified defense against the drug epidemic sweeping the Himalayas.