In a significant address, Kerala's Director General of Police (DGP), Ravada A Chandrasekhar, emphasized that combating the twin evils of drug abuse and cybercrime requires a fundamental shift from mere victimization to fostering awareness, trust, and open dialogue, especially within families. Speaking at the Kerala Legislature International Book Festival in Thiruvananthapuram, the state police chief outlined a multidimensional strategy to protect the youth.
A Two-Headed Hydra: The Interlinked Threat
DGP Chandrasekhar described drug abuse and cybercrime as a "two-headed hydra" that is deeply interconnected and knows no borders. He warned that both threats operate silently, primarily target the young, and leave profound psychological and social scars. On the issue of cybercrime, he pointed out that Kerala's high digital penetration, while a marker of progress, also makes its population more vulnerable to online predators and fraudsters.
"The police alone cannot solve it and enforcement alone will not solve the problem," Chandrasekhar stated categorically. He explained that while authorities can block malicious websites and fraudulent transactions, these technical measures are no substitute for foundational societal values. "We can block websites and transactions, but that cannot substitute parental guidance and ethical digital behaviour," he asserted.
Call for a Collective Societal Response
The police chief called for a united front involving all sections of society. He stressed that parents must remain alert, teachers should approach students with empathy, and both workplaces and educational campuses have a critical role to play. He also highlighted the enduring importance of libraries and books in shaping young minds and providing positive engagement. Chandrasekhar elaborated that the fight against drugs demands guidance, trust, and dialogue alongside robust enforcement.
His proposed multidimensional framework includes:
- Strong law enforcement and crackdowns on networks.
- Investment in advanced cyber forensics capabilities.
- Proactive outreach programs in schools and colleges.
- Involving student police cadets and protection groups.
- Strengthening the Janmaithri community policing initiative.
Kerala's Proactive Stance and Challenges
Detailing the police's proactive measures, DGP Chandrasekhar revealed that around 30,000 cases related to narcotics were detected in the state last year, with commercial quantities of drugs seized. In a stern warning to traffickers, he said, "We are attaching the property of the people who are involved in the racket."
He acknowledged Kerala's geographical vulnerability, noting its position aids both drug production and transit. The state's large young population is a key target, and the nature of the threat has evolved from synthetic drugs to more dangerous designer drugs. The DGP identified Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka as source states for drugs entering Kerala.
To prevent abuse at the workplace, the police will expand the Prevention of Drug Abuse (PODA) scheme to more companies. Under this initiative, employees provide a written undertaking against drug use and agree to submit to random testing, promoting a culture of accountability and health.
Chandrasekhar's comprehensive address underscores a pivotal move towards a holistic, prevention-oriented model where community vigilance and parental involvement are as crucial as police action in safeguarding the future generation.
