Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Zone, Sujit Kumar, has called upon young people to actively participate in the fight against drug trafficking, cybercrime and other social challenges, assuring that the police would extend full support to those coming forward with credible information.
Addressing his first media interaction since assuming charge as IGP Kashmir at the Police Control Room (PCR) in Srinagar on Thursday, Kumar emphasised that public cooperation, particularly from the younger generation, was essential to building a safer and healthier society.
“Police are with you,” the IGP assured, adding that the identities of individuals sharing information about drug-related activities would be kept confidential.
Over 1,500 NDPS Cases Registered
Highlighting the ongoing anti-drug campaign, Kumar said Kashmir Police had registered more than 1,500 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act during the current year, resulting in the arrest of nearly 2,000 individuals.
He said approximately Rs 1.10 crore in cash had been recovered, while properties worth crores of rupees linked to drug trafficking had been attached. Police had also frozen 567 bank accounts connected with suspected drug-related activities.
The IGP said the crackdown was increasingly targeting the financial networks, suppliers and associates supporting the illegal narcotics trade, rather than focusing solely on street-level drug peddlers.
Appealing to citizens to share information about drug trafficking, he assured them that their identities would remain protected. He also encouraged individuals struggling with substance addiction and their families to approach police stations or rehabilitation facilities for assistance.
Youth Warned Against Cyber Fraud
Expressing concern over the growing involvement of young people in cybercrime, Kumar cautioned against becoming part of organised online fraud networks.
He specifically warned youngsters against allowing fraudsters to use their bank accounts for receiving or transferring money obtained through illegal transactions, commonly referred to as mule accounts.
According to the IGP, police had received cyber fraud complaints involving financial losses exceeding Rs 54 crore. Around 13 to 14 per cent of the defrauded amount had been recovered, with more than Rs 7 crore returned to victims.
He urged young people to remain cautious about offers promising easy money in exchange for bank account details or assistance with suspicious financial transactions.
Reckless Driving Also Under Police Focus
The IGP also expressed concern over rash driving, reckless motorcycle riding and dangerous road behaviour among youngsters.
He appealed to young motorists to follow traffic regulations, avoid dangerous stunts and understand their responsibility towards pedestrians and other road users.
Emphasising that road safety requires collective responsibility, Kumar called for greater awareness and discipline among young people.
Reiterating his appeal for public participation, the IGP said that stronger coordination between police, families, civil society and youth would be crucial in addressing drug abuse, cybercrime and traffic violations across Kashmir.
Sujit Kumar is a 2007-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre who assumed charge as IGP Kashmir Zone in August 2026, succeeding V.K. Birdi.
