Mandi turning ‘Chitta Kashi’ as death of 3 youths puts spotlight on rampant drug abuse
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MANDI: The town of Mandi, often celebrated as the cultural capital of Himachal Pradesh for its pristine natural beauty and ancient temples, is now grappling with a rising tide of “chitta” consumption.
The recent deaths of three young individuals in the town, allegedly due to “chitta,” have alarmed the community, highlighting the rampant rise in the use of this lethal drug. Mandi is increasingly becoming a hotspot not just for national but also international drug peddlers, with severe consequences for the youth of “Chhoti Kashi”.
“Chitta”, a white powder drug derived from opium and laced with synthetic substances, is cheaper than heroin and has quickly gained popularity among the youth. Law enforcement officials have noted that “chitta” has become a trendy chemical drug in the state, notorious for the illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium in its remote valleys and mountainous regions.
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A survey conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi, revealed that drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh averages 3.5%, significantly higher than the national average of 1.2%. In response to this alarming trend, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution during its last winter session, calling for amendments to the NDPS Act. The proposed changes would classify all offences related to “chitta” (adulterated heroin) as non-bailable and categorise deaths due to drug abuse as “murder.”
Statistics from the NDPS department in Mandi show that 119 cases have been registered and 142 individuals arrested in the district over the past seven months under various sections of the NDPS Act. The arrests include 135 males and seven females. During this period, authorities seized and destroyed 22 kg of cannabis, 908 grams of heroin, 642 grams of opium, 6.09 grams of smack, 8.243 kg of poppy husk, 77 tablets and 1,98,183 poppy plants.
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Despite the ongoing police crackdown, the drug mafia’s grip on the region continues to tighten, drawing more young people into the deadly spiral of addiction. In several past incidents of drug overdose, families have chosen not to report the deaths to the police, fearing social stigma or legal repercussions. This reluctance has often impeded prompt police action, allowing the drug trade to flourish unchecked.
The recent deaths have sparked widespread concern and discussions across Mandi. Although the police are yet to confirm these cases officially, information has circulated through local sources and the community. In all three incidents, the families involved did not report the deaths to the authorities, and the last rites were performed before any investigation could begin, effectively closing the door on immediate law enforcement action.
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Mandi ASP Sagar Chand confirmed that no official complaints or reports have been received regarding the recent deaths. However, he acknowledged that the police are aware of the situation through public channels. “Families need to be vigilant and proactive in such matters,” Chand emphasised, urging a collective effort to combat the drug menace and safeguard the town’s youth.
As “chitta” becomes an increasingly acute problem in Mandi, residents are beginning to voice their concerns. Jitender Thakur, a local businessman, remarked that merely arresting drug users will not solve the problem. “The focus needs to be on catching the sources supplying the drugs. The main suppliers must be apprehended. Unfortunately, our forces have so far failed to catch the kingpins, leading to this dire situation,” he said.
Another resident, Mahesh Kumar, stressed the importance of parental vigilance. “Parents must closely monitor their children, especially those between 15 and 20 years old, as they are most vulnerable to drug abuse. It’s easy to blame the police and government, but as parents, we also bear responsibility,” he opined.
