Tribals bar police from destroying ganja crop in Visakhapatnam District

Tribals at G Madugula Mandal in Visakhapatnam District have reportedly prevented police officials from destroying ganja crop in their area. As the police officers entered the ganja fields in a bid to destroy the crop, they were stopped by tribal people.

Apparently, the tribals had demanded the police officials to compensate them fairly for the damaged ganja cultivation. The police had to leave after the argument got heated and the tribals started hurling stones on police vehicles. Tribals also warned the cops to not visit their villages again or they will be met with the same welcome.

This incident comes as a big blow to the Andhra Pradesh Police’s efforts to curb ganja cultivation in the Andhra Pradesh – Odisha Border (AOB) region. The district police has been on a rampage, destroying ganja crop in excess of 80 acres in the tribal areas of Visakhapatnam Agency. The Superintendent of Visakhapatnam Police (Rural) Boddepalli Krishna Rao IPS had urged the tribals to support this initiative and themselves destroy any ganja cultivation they find. Meanwhile, in a war of words between the Maoists and the police, the Maoists have now alleged that the district police is endorsing ganja cultivation instead of destroying it.

The war against ganja is on full steam in Visakhapatnam District, with all factions having their say in the matter. However, it is yet to be seen whether this dangerous trade would come to an end anytime soon.