Deadliest Beginning of 2025: 12 Murders, 26 Rapes, 229 NDPS in January, 1.5 Kg Chitta Recovered
Shimla, February 20: Himachal Pradesh, revered as the calm and quiet hill state is increasingly becoming home to criminal activities. It is the year 2025, and crime has become the order, riling not just the population but the administration as well. In the first month, the state has reported 12 murders, 26 rapes and 229 drug trafficking. Falling prey to the ever-expanding network of narcotics is the dangerous drug, “chitta” (synthetic drugs), is creating devastation within the state amongst its youth. These numbers, which are a grim snapshot of a society in crisis, paint an alarming picture of law and order in the state.
A Growing Threat: Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is one issue which has hogged headlines in Himachal Pradesh in the past few weeks. Chitta,” a synthetic drug that’s powerful and deadly, has become the new scourge of the state. The growing trend of chitta supply and drug trafficking is destroying the social fabric and the scars are all visible. This drug has been a silent murder since first widely used [targeting the youth, and even many government employees has been involved in this illegal business]. Chitta addiction has spread to such an alarming scale that even the state’s trusted institutions are not spared from its effects. The threat of these people seems to extend to government officers as well as law enforcement personnel, and even lawyers.
There were registered 229 NDPS cases in January alone which translates to 7-8 drug trafficking incidents daily. Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, had the highest number of 40 NDPS cases, followed by Mandi (36), Kangra (30). The numbers are stark evidence of the drug trade sweeping the state and suggesting that smugglers have made deep inroads. The authorities are falling behind, and the police is locked in an endless fight to block the stream of drugs pouring into the state.
A Disturbing Trend: Chitta Seizures
Recovery of illegal substances also surged in January. In the first month of 2025, police seized more than 1 kg of chitta valued at nearly ₹10 crores. This is in sharp contrast to the total of 11 kg seized over the full year of 2024. And the police have been losing their grip on the entry of chitta to the state. Besides chitta, the police also recovered 2 kg 7 grams of smack, 36 kg of hashish, 1 kg 61 kg of opium and 592 narcotic capsules.
The rise in seizure of drugs indicates an expanding chain of smugglers operating in Himachal Pradesh and also from neighbouring states. This is not only a handful of isolated incidents, but rather a huge, organized operation that is pushing narcotics into the state faster than we can keep up. On the other hand, the government and law enforcement agencies have found it very difficult to bring the situation under control. Every day it just gets worse and the cost is evident in communities with a rise in addicted youth here there and everywhere.
A Surge in Violent Crime
On top of the growing drug trafficking, the state is facing a drastic rise in violent crimes. In January, seven districts across the political spectrum reported 12 murders. Three of these were in Kullu and Solan, two in Chamba, and one each in BBN (Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh), Dehra, Hamirpur and Shimla. The rising murder count in the state is alarming, and so are the motivations for the killings. Personal enmities, family disputes, mutual quarrels and even drug-related matters have been mentioned as motives in these violent acts.
There were also four attempted murders reported in the state along with the murders. The reasons for these attempted murders are similar to those behind the killings: personal and family conflicts; financial pressures and, in some cases, drug-fueled violence. These incidents are indicative of a heart-wrenching trend in which violent crime is growing more pervasive in a state that once was known for being peaceful and serene.
A Disturbing Increase in Sexual Assault Cases
The state also saw a nightmarish rise in crimes against women. (Women’s issues) (Table) 26 rape cases were registered in January alone, reflecting an alarming rise in gender-based violence. This includes 5 such incidents in Shimla district. Four cases of rape were reported each from Mandi and Chamba districts, while three were reported each from Solan and Sirmaur. Other had one reported case each.
Either the state is becoming a safe haven for rapists, or police have become ineffective in handling sexual offenders as rapes continue to increase across the state. Aside from causing doubt on the efficiency of the state’s police, the increase in sexual violence raises further questions about social dynamics at large. These are all factors in creating a culture of violence against women, but perhaps the most important cause of this cycle is the growing and deepening problems with addiction, social instability, and crime.
The Fallout for Himachal Pradesh’s Reputation
For years, the natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and spiritual aura of Himachal Pradesh have crowned the state as “Devbhoomi” (Land of God). But as violent crime, drug dealing and sexual violence increase, the state’s image as a safe, peaceful destination is starting to suffer. Tourism, a major driver of the state’s economy, could also take a hit if those trends continue.
Residents feel unsafe, and many are wondering if the state is losing its morals and peace-loving lifestyle. What was once an oasis of quiet is now wrestling with the specter of growing crime, a phenomenon that is placing a great strain on the public and police.
A Call for Action
There was a flood situation in Himachal Pradesh. Crime rates are rising, drugs are rampant, and violent crime is on the up — it’s a perfect storm of social instability. That’s why the state government must step up now — with political resolve, not band aids. The importance of improving the law and order situation is paramount because it will help restore public faith and uphold the image of the state as a safe and peaceful tourist destination.
More effective policing, greater campaigns against drugs, and the provision of assistance to victims of sexual violence are some of the measures that need to be adopted. In addition, it is important for the government to take a holistic approach and address the root causes of the problem, including unemployment, lack of education, and the disintegration of traditional values in the society.
Is Himachal Pradesh Losing Its Way?
The new year has not opened well for Himachal Pradesh. Newly arrived in the state once known for its idyllic beauty and toad’s lifestyle these days to escape life robbing criminals are in their minute The upsurge in the number of murders, rapes, and drug trafficking cases raise visible symptoms that the state is currently at the crossroads. Himachal Pradesh will soon be staring at a crisis that threatens to tear at its entire social fabric if timely and appropriate action is not taken. The onus is on state government, law enforcement agencies and society itself to face these challenges decisively and de-escalate the state to its peaceful, harmonious roots.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
