Nagpur: In a progressive approach towards tackling drug abuse, Nagpur Police have facilitated the rehabilitation of a young drug addict by invoking provisions of Section 64(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, instead of focusing solely on punishment for drug consumption.

The youth, who was allegedly addicted to substances such as mephedrone (MD) and ganja, had been booked under Section 27 of the NDPS Act for drug consumption. His addiction had reportedly taken a toll on his family, as he allegedly forced his parents to give him money for purchasing drugs and harassed them when they refused.

Distressed by his behaviour and addiction, his parents approached senior police officials seeking help. Acting on their request, the Anti-Narcotics Squad of the Crime Branch initiated efforts to bring the youth out of addiction and reintegrate him into society.

Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Deepak Agrawal, Police Inspector Bharat Kshirsagar counselled the youth. During the counselling sessions, the young man expressed his willingness to give up drugs and agreed to undergo treatment at a rehabilitation centre.

After completing the necessary legal formalities, the police secured a court order and admitted him to the Maitri De-addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre at Tarodi in Nagpur.

The initiative is part of the Central Government's Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and follows the directions of Police Commissioner Dr Vishwas Nangre Patil to treat drug-dependent individuals as people in need of support and rehabilitation rather than merely focusing on penal action.

Police have appealed to citizens to come forward if any family member is struggling with drug addiction or has been booked in a drug-consumption case. The Anti-Narcotics Squad at the Crime Branch will provide counselling and facilitate necessary assistance to help such individuals overcome addiction and return to mainstream society.

The initiative was undertaken under the guidance of Police Commissioner Dr Vishwas Nangre Patil, Joint Commissioner Navinchandra Reddy, Additional Commissioner Sanjay Dabhade and DCP (Crime Branch) Deepak Agrawal.

Further investigation in the cases registered against the youth is being conducted by Gittikhadan and Wathoda police stations.