Hyderabad City Police on Saturday launched a massive citywide special drive titled ‘Operation Safe School’ aimed at curbing the drug menace that is threatening the future of students. The initiative focuses on making educational institution surroundings free from tobacco and substance abuse, with the objective of preventing school and college students from falling into addiction at an early age.
Under the leadership of Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, IPS, around 5,000 police personnel carried out simultaneous raids on 558 shops selling tobacco products near educational institutions across the city. Task Force teams, Special Teams, H-Nu wing, reserve forces, and law and order police participated in the coordinated operation, inspecting violations and initiating legal action against offenders.
Authorities stated that as per COTPA 2003 and the Juvenile Justice Act, selling tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions and to minors is strictly prohibited and punishable. Acting on these provisions, police registered cases against violators and conducted decoy operations based on complaints received from parents, which revealed multiple instances of illegal sales near schools and colleges.
Commissioner Sajjanar, who personally monitored the drive at key locations including Chirag Ali Lane, Mehdipatnam, Red Hills and Goshamahal, warned of stringent action against those endangering minors. He also announced enhanced surveillance through a dedicated officer in the H-Nu wing and urged educational institutions and parents to remain vigilant, while advising the public to report violations through Dial 100 or the H-Nu helpline 8712661601.