Mysuru, Sept. 7 (MK&DM)- In a bid to create a ‘Drug-Free Mysuru,’ the city’s V.R. Trust, in association with GSS Projects, Maharaja Institute of Technology (MIT), Lions International District 317 G, Rydrex, and several other organisations, organised a bike rally themed ‘Youth Against Drugs’ in the city this morning.

Avadhootha Vinay Guruji and Dr. Shushrutha Gowda of Shantaveri Gopalagowda Hospital flagged off the rally in front of the Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple at the Palace North Gate.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shushrutha Gowda expressed deep concern over the rising drug menace, revealing that nearly 3 crore youths across the country are addicted to drugs.

Highlighting that States like Punjab, Manipur, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh are severely affected, he warned that Karnataka may soon join the list as more youths fall prey to this deadly habit.

He pointed to a major drug racket recently busted by the Mumbai Police in Mysuru, with drugs worth a staggering Rs. 350 crore seized. Stressing the need for strong political will to combat the crisis, Dr. Gowda called for stringent amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and demanded extradition and harsh punishment for drug peddlers to completely root out the menace.

The rally saw participation from over 500 bikers, who rode through Hardinge Circle, Chamaraja Double Road, Ramaswamy Circle, MDA Junction on JLB Road, Railway Station Circle, Irwin Road and Ashoka Road before returning to the Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple.

MLA T.S. Srivatsa, former Mayor Sandesh Swamy, sculptor Arun Yogiraj, MIT Director Dr. H.K. Chethan, Yogatma Srihari and others were present.