Haryana: Anil Vij bats for 'Prahar' against drug abuse, liquor, betting

CHANDIGARH: Haryana home minister Anil Vij on Tuesday asked the police forces to launch operation 'Prahar' to tackle drug peddling, betting and liquor smuggling in the state.
Talking to media persons after reviewing the functioning of police department, he said effective control on drugs and liquor mafia, unbiased investigations and effective monitoring of the cases would be top priority of the department.
He said the police department would provide two additional modern vehicles each to 460 police stations across Haryana, which would be connected through the 'Dial 100' project, a control room network that would be operational in Panchkula in the next six months.
Vij also directed the police department to set up at least one police station each in all districts which would have modern equipment and latest technologies to solve criminal cases efficiently.
"We want to create the most advanced infrastructure to deal with crime investigations. We have asked the department to procure the equipment at any cost and train the personnel according. Similarly, for operation 'Prahar', we have directed the intelligence and associated agencies to ensure proper coordination of nabbing the mafia," said Vij.
"If needed, we shall create more jails and space in jails to house criminals, who are part of drug and liquor mafia. Similarly, the special monitoring cells will be created to keep an eye on prosecution of the cases. We are targeting to increase the conviction rate in the state," he added.
Vij, who was accompanied by ACS (home) Navraj Sandhu, also reviewed the welfare arrangements in police department. He directed DGP Manoj Yadava to constitute the committee to suggest the welfare-related issues of police force.
"To begin with, we have asked them to ensure proper food and drinking water arrangements for cops on special duty. At the same time, we have asked for the augmentation of housing for policemen, that too within the city limits so that they could look after their families. Let the committee submit its report," he said.
Vij also reiterated about effective monitoring and persuasion of cases of crime against women.
After a gap of 28 years, any home minister had visited the police headquarters in Panchkula. Sampat Singh was the only home minister who had visited police headquarters at the time of its inauguration in 1991.