Shaming videos of drug addicts in Himachal raise concern about vigilantism

Kullu: A string of shaming videos targeting drug addicts in Himachal Pradesh that have gone viral on social media platforms over the last month have raised concern. In the name of combating the problem of drug abuse in the state, addicts are being caught on camera while injecting or inhaling "chitta" (heroin) and then shamed and beaten into accepting their drug habit and revealing the names of drug suppliers.In one such video posted last month, a group of self-proclaimed vigilantes can be seen cursing, abusing, and beating up addicts in Nashala village near Naggar in Kullu district. The addicts are also forced to reveal their identities, parents' names and place of residence.In another case, addicts caught injecting chitta are being beaten up and threatened in Raison village by some local youths. In another viral video, a teenager is asked to carry out "murga punishment" – where a person squats on his haunches and holds the ears from behind the knees -- in full public view in Kasol in Parvati Valley of the Kullu district.These videos have been posted on social media from personal accounts and were disseminated by multiple local news organisations. Over a dozen such videos have gone viral on social media in the past month, mostly originating from Kullu district.When contacted, Kullu additional superintendent of police (ASP), Sanjeev Chauhan told TOI: "A drug addict should be seen as a victim… One can't humiliate or assault someone using drugs. There is so much going on in social media that it's difficult to keep a tab. But we will soon come out with an exhaustive advisory against such acts of vigilantism.""The community should aid addicts to opt for de-addiction and inform the police of drug suppliers instead of taking law into their hands," added Chauhan.While vigilantes are "exposing" drug addicts and taking the law into their own hands, a state-based right-wing fringe organisation has been demanding "direct encounter of drug peddlers" and its members have even met police heads in districts with their demand.As the state govt has intensified its campaign against drug abuse and trafficking, a few village panchayats have been announcing rewards for providing information on drug peddlers. Many panchayats have announced that addicts and peddlers would be socially ostracised. The state legislative assembly also passed a bill providing for harsher punishment to offenders involved in drug peddling.

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