Daspalla: (Reported by Ratnakar Hota): In Dashapalla, Odisha, a worrying trend is emerging among the youth. Many young people, struggling with unemployment and falling into bad habits, are trying to get rich quickly by stealing marijuana. This dangerous path not only risks their future but also poses a serious threat to society.
.webp "Overnight Riches Turn Nightmares: Youngsters Abandon Jobs to Steal Marijuana")
Youth Targeting Marijuana Traders
The youth have found a risky shortcut to wealth: targeting marijuana traders. These young men wait in the forests along the Phulbani-Nayagarh road, hoping to ambush traders. As soon as they spot a trader, they follow them, attack, and steal their marijuana. They do this because selling the stolen marijuana can make them rich quickly without any investment.
Recent Arrests
Recently, the Dashapalla police arrested four young men involved in these crimes. The arrested individuals are Mukesh Kumar Nanda (28), Arun Kumar Pradhan (30), Rakesh Kumar Pradhan (23), and Prakash Chandra Pradhan (39). These young men had been following and attacking marijuana traders for some time.
On the 1st of this month, they went to Kalinga Ghati in Kandhamal district and managed to steal 60 kilos of marijuana. This was a significant catch for them. However, their luck ran out when the police received information about their activities and arrested them.
Another Incident on National Highway 57
On the 21st of July, another group of youths chased and seized a pickup truck carrying marijuana near Padmapur close to Khamarasahi on the Khordha-Balangir national highway 57. By the time the police arrived, the gang had fled, but the police managed to seize 15 kilos of marijuana along with the pickup truck.
The Bigger Picture
These incidents show how far some young people are willing to go to make quick money. Instead of looking for legitimate jobs or starting small businesses, they are choosing a dangerous and illegal path. This not only harms their future but also spreads fear and insecurity among marijuana traders and the wider community.
The Role of the Police
The police have been doing their best to tackle this issue. They have been acting on information and arresting those involved. Their efforts are commendable, but the root of the problem needs to be addressed.
Conclusion
The society needs to come together to provide better opportunities and support for the youth. This includes more job opportunities, better education, and awareness programs about the dangers of drug abuse and illegal activities. By doing this, we can guide our young people towards a brighter and more secure future.