Port Blair, March 10: Twenty-Two days after taking over as the new Director-General of Police, A&N Islands, Shri Satyendra K Garg, IPS in an interaction with the Editors of Daily Newspapers had said that his focus will be on improving the traffic management system, curbing the menace of bootlegging and drug peddling and bridging the gap between the general public and the islanders.

Two months down the line, the DG Police keeping up his promises has been successful in sending a strong message to the bootleggers, drug peddlers and the members of the general public who had the notion that it is their rights to drink and drive on roads.

In a first-ever case that has created a history in the islands, a bootlegger named Madhusudan, 55 who has been involved in 14 cases has been convicted for 15 days in jail.  Madhusudan could earlier escape with fines.

In a tweet, the DGP mentioned yesterday, “HISTORIC DAY FOR A&N ISLANDS. BOOTLEGGER MADHUSUDAN CONVICTED FOR 15 DAYS JAIL. Madhusudan, 55 years, of Bambooflat, has been involved in 14 cases and convicted with Fines earlier. Hon'ble Court of CJM awarded him 15 days Jail this time. Let Islands be TOTAL free of BOOTLEGGING”.

The pace and line in which the head of A&N Police is marching ahead is a sigh of relief to the islanders and a reassurance that the islands are in safe hands.

Coming heavy on drunken driving cases, Satyendra Garg had ensured that the culprits be it be from within his department are not spared. Naming and Shaming has been a successful methodology adopted across the globe and this time it’s Garg who has been tweeting the names of the culprits. The mode adopted by the DGP is being well received by the islanders who now have direct access with the DG through his official Twitter handle @DGPANIslands.

Earlier Garg had also ensured that the kingpins of drug peddlers are dealt with seriously. In one such incident, the immovable property and Bank Accounts of Drug peddler Mohammad Sultan frozen, 4 Vehicles including super Luxury Audi A4 seized. Sultan was arrested with 13.320 KG of Ganja in October 2020. He has 11 cases of drugs since 2008. Stringent action will be taken against drug dealers, the DGP had assured.

His few recent tweets quoted:

K SELVA KUMAR, 28 years, lives in Nayagaon. He must have forgotten how many pegs he had when he was caught on his Scooty at Hawaghar Junction to have his alcometer reading to be 260 mg. He must truly be in the 7th heaven. He could have hurt himself, others, if not caught.

Heard mother of a Hindu girl who married a Muslim in June, 2020. She died in February, 2021, within 7 months of marriage. While the mother is convinced she was murdered, it is for Magistrate to decide what case is made out, based on evidence. Felt sad for the girl and family.

Woman Inspector Jennifer from PCR A&NI arrested for causing accident and escaping from scene. On 28 February, while driving car she hit three persons on motor cycle causing serious injuries. She surrendered herself before PS and arrested. She will be also dealt departmentally.

Such tweets have bridged the gap between the higher administration and the local people of islands bringing a sense of security and immense satisfaction, which is one of the many steps taken to bring all the stakeholders on the same page as promised.

Be it a drug peddler, a drunk driver, a localite or a government servant, everyone is equal before the Law. Such dignitaries bring the real essence of democracy in practice backed by Directive Principles of State Policy mentioned in the revered constitution and thus ensuring freedom, democracy and welfare go hand in hand.