MARGAO
Following the tragic death of BITS Pilani student Rishi Nair ” with reports confirming the presence of drugs in his system ” South Goa police launched a sweeping crackdown on drugs and related activities.
However, serious questions remain unanswered. Were the shops selling e-cigarettes already on the police radar, or did they come under scrutiny only post the tragedy? More importantly, for how long were these establishments and individuals engaged in such activities ” and how did they manage to operate undetected by the very agencies tasked with enforcement?
That’s not all. Is the police intelligence in place to keep pedlars at bay around school and college campuses? And has the men-in-uniform any answer to demands echoed at the panchayat gram sabhas to intensify patrolling in open spaces, including bridges, highways etc., which have become favourite hotspots for anti-social activities during the consumption of drugs?
Blind spots in policing
The incident has highlighted glaring gaps in intelligence and patrolling. Activists and former police officials point to systemic shortcomings that have allowed the drug menace to seep into the youth population, particularly around educational institutions.
Women’s and child rights activist Auda Viegas voiced her long-standing concern: “Two years ago, I had written to the Chief Minister and police authorities, urging a crackdown on e-cigarettes. Leave alone drugs ” even e-cigarettes have entrenched themselves among our youth. Youngsters are falling prey to this trend at an alarming rate.”
She added: “In my letter, I had made a mention of educators saying that drug abuse and vaping are major causes of concern amongst adolescents. Of course, in Goa, we will go into denial mode and wake up to the ground reality after it has spread to every nook and corner and the ‘vape landlords’ have amassed huge profits. Having come across schoolchildren, I was compelled to address this issue.”
Saying it’s better late than never, the women and child rights activist hoped the law enforcement authorities take the drive to its logical conclusion ” in the interest of the Goan youth. “It’s time to save a generation from potential destruction,” she added.
Strengthening enforcement
Retired Superintendent of Police, Sammy Tavares, stressed the urgent need to bolster intelligence operations. “We must strengthen the beat system ” it’s the most basic and effective tool to gather local intelligence. That’s how we can detect and disrupt drug activity around campuses before it harms our students,” Tavares said.
He further emphasised: “College and school students are especially vulnerable. The police must not only crack down on peddlers but also work their way to the very source of these drugs. Cutting off the supply chain is key to solving the problem at its root.”
Local gram sabha meetings across Salcete have echoed similar concerns in recent years. Isolated areas such as bridges, highways, and underdeveloped stretches have reportedly become hotspots for drug consumption and other anti-social activities. Despite repeated demands, residents allege there has been little to no visible improvement in patrolling or police presence.
The Rishi Nair case has served as a grim reminder of how lapses in vigilance and delayed enforcement can have fatal consequences. While the current police actions are commendable, sources say that sustained intelligence gathering, community collaboration, and proactive enforcement must become the norm ” not just the reaction to a tragedy.
