People of Kerala have embraced Operation Toofan: Minister Chennithala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday said that the people of Kerala have embraced Operation Toofan, the state's anti-drug campaign. He said drug mafias have now reached a stage where they fear the people. He was inaugurating the Anti-Narcotics Conclave organised by Kerala Kaumudi at Alsaj Amaranta in Kazhakkoottam.

The minister said it was alarming that teachers, who are expected to be role models, were turning into drug peddlers and key players in narcotics networks. Referring to the recent arrest of teachers in Perambra, he said they had been running the drug trade in a systematic manner. He added that the main accused in the case would be arrested within two days.

Chennithala said it was painful that many of those falling into the trap of drug traffickers were young women and girls.

The minister also warned people against financial fraud. He said many people invest even their pension savings in fraudulent institutions without proper verification. Those responsible for such scams continue to move freely in society, while several institutions continue to cheat the public. He said stronger administrative action was needed to tackle such fraud.

Excise Minister M Liju delivered the keynote address at the conclave. Serena Boutique Managing Director Sheela James administered an anti-drug pledge. Kerala Kaumudi Associate Editor V S Rajesh presided over the function. Jyothis Group Chairman and Managing Director Jyothis Chandran, Sheela James and Kerala Kaumudi Chief Manager S Vimal Kumar received the Toofan Warrior badge and flag. Kerala Kaumudi Deputy Editor A C Reji delivered the welcome address, while General Manager Shiraz Jalal also spoke at the event.

The Home Minister presented Kerala Kaumudi's mementoes to Sheela James and B Six Catering Managing Director V Sunukumar. V S Rajesh honoured Ramesh Chennithala and M Liju on behalf of Kerala Kaumudi. Kaumudi TV Deputy Editor Leo Radhakrishnan delivered the introductory address. Kerala Kaumudi General Manager Ayyappadas proposed the vote of thanks. Renowned psychiatrist and author Dr Arun B Nair conducted an anti-drug awareness session.

'Kerala Kaumudi, a newspaper loved by the public'

Minister Ramesh Chennithala said that Kerala Kaumudi is a daily newspaper greatly loved by the public. "It is a publication that has always stood for social change. Kerala Kaumudi has also provided wholehearted support to Operation Toofan," he said.