Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Feb 6: Referring to the death of MIT student who fell from the fourth floor of an apartment, superintendent of police (SP) Annamalai on Thursday February 5 expressed concerns about increasing drug addicts among students and warned of strict action against bars that stay open after 11.30 pm.
T Punith Reddy (20), a student of MIT died on Monday February 2, after he fell from the fourth floor of an apartment. Though his father stated in his complaint that his son might have been pushed by other students, police sources had said that Punith was inebriated and jumped off the balcony.
Speaking to reporters about the incident, Annamalai said, "Drug addiction among students has been increasing day by day. I have come to know that some drug activities are going on in some private hostels and apartments. If it continues any longer, the department will take quick action and owner of that particular building will be held accountable."
He further said that he has ordered closure of all bars and wine shops in Udupi district before 11:30 pm, while hotels can stay open upto midnight. He warned that stern action would be taken against violators.
Annamalai made it clear that if anything illegal such as selling drugs or gambling near college campuses takes place, the institution should bear all responsibility.
"The department detained eight students on Wednesday February 4, and then released them after penalizing them," he said. The SP further added that a case has been registered at Manipal police station.
He revealed that the police department had received calls from the students’ parents. Now, one of the officers was planning to close the issue but the SP said that he would take action soon.
Speaking on the Naxal issue, he said that the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) had found four Naxals during the combing operation in Hebri region. "They were fluent in Kannada and Malayalam language. Hence, the police department must be on alert," added Annamalai.
He said he would curb illegal activities by making the police system more efficient.