Hyderabad: Telangana’s Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Force has detained two more students of GITAM University for questioning as part of an investigation into suspected ganja use on the campus. Officials said one of the students tested positive for the drug, while the other tested negative in urine screening.
The inquiry began following a petition. During the investigation, a 22-year-old student underwent a urine test and tested positive for ganja, according to officials. The matter was referred to Patancheru Police, who registered a case against him under Section 27(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The provision deals with the consumption of certain narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and prescribes penalties that may include imprisonment, a fine, or both.
During questioning, the student reportedly told officials that he and some friends had purchased ganja in Nanakramguda.
EAGLE Team Questions Students on Campus
Following the findings, an EAGLE Force team visited the university’s campus at Rudraram, near Patancheru in Sangareddy district, and spoke with the official responsible for the campus.
Officials also questioned other students whose names emerged during the inquiry. A woman student tested negative, while some individuals linked to the investigation were reportedly away from the campus or had already left the university.
Two additional students were subsequently detained for further questioning. Officials said both students were counselled. The elder brother of the student who tested positive was also counselled, while counselling for the student’s parents is expected after they return.
Meeting with University Anti-Drug Committee
The EAGLE team also met members of the university’s anti-drug committee to strengthen coordination and efforts to prevent substance abuse on campus.
Officials said the investigation would continue. The agency urged students, parents and educational institutions to work together to discourage drug use and support prevention efforts.
Previous Drug Enforcement Action at University of Hyderabad
The EAGLE Force has conducted similar checks at other educational institutions in and around Hyderabad.
In August, the agency reportedly raided the University of Hyderabad and detained a suspected drug peddler accused of bringing ganja from Assam and selling it to students. Of the approximately two dozen students tested during that operation, two reportedly returned positive results.
The latest action forms part of the agency’s continuing efforts to investigate suspected drug use and supply networks connected to educational campuses in Telangana.
