Youth offers ganja to deity for likes; Hyderabad Police warn

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar on Tuesday warned youth against performing objectionable acts for social media ‘likes’. The caution follows a viral video showing two youths allegedly offering a narcotic substance to a Lord Shiva idol on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Following public outcry over the video, he warned of strict legal action against those indulging in such acts.

Taking note of the reel, Sajjanar asked, “Will you go to any extent just to become famous?” He called it a serious offence and said once the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act are invoked, “you may have to regret it for the rest of your life”.

He further advised them not to sacrifice their golden future for the momentary pleasures of “likes and views”.

He said, “Such actions will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Strict legal action will be taken against those responsible. Turn social media into a platform for your creativity...Not a gateway to addiction.”

Meanwhile, sources said the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) team is looking into the incident.