The horrific assault of the migrant worker by teenage boys in Thiruttani has sent shockwaves across the state. It is claimed that the boys were either under the influence of alcohol or ganja.
The incident took place in a secluded area near a railway station. With this happening, our attention turns to how locations like these are becoming hotspots for ganja and alcohol addicts.
Back in 2024, it was reported that ganja use was spotted at a renovation site of the historic George Town Garden in Chennai.
A terrace garden that was under renovation atop a British-era wall in George Town has become a gathering point for drug use, raising safety concerns among contractors, workers, and local residents. The site, which was undergoing construction, reportedly saw youths entering during daylight hours to roll and smoke ganja.
While reporting from the place back in 2024, the Times of India reporter spotted eight youths at the three-storey structure around mid-morning, despite cementing and tiling work being underway. Workers at the site reportedly said some of the youths carried knives and intimidated staff before moving to an upper level of the unfinished park.
A site supervisor said the absence of security personnel and CCTV cameras has left workers vulnerable, adding that the youths arrive daily, remain for about an hour, and then leave. According to workers, the drugs were allegedly sourced from nearby Second Lane Beach Road. Additionally, the area remains largely deserted even in the mornings.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) was renovating the 45-foot-high structure, once part of George Town’s defences during the late 18th century, at an estimated cost of ₹2.5 crore. The project involved restoring an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monument and converting it into a public space with greenery, walkways, swings, a children’s play area, and an amphitheatre.
GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran said full-time security would be deployed and CCTV cameras installed before the park opens.
Source: Times of India
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